Obituary of Howard Washington

Howard Cordell Washington was born on June 24, 1941 to the late Victor L. Washington and Shirley Mae Dews Washington in Camden NJ. He was the first of three children, Jane Gwendolyn (deceased) and Victor Lee Jr, born to that union.

Corky, as he was affectionately known, was educated in the Palmyra Public School system. After he graduated high school, Cordell attended Howard University in Washington DC. While in college, Cordell worked for the U.S. Postal Service.  During that time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served from 1963 to 1965. He returned to finish his undergraduate studies at Howard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1968.

He was married to Lessie S. Strong in 1966 and three daughters, Robin Yvette, Rani Nicole and Regan Michele were born of that union.

Cordell was an accounting manager for the Macke Company for many years before moving back to NJ to help care for his mother, after which he worked for the Burlington County Bridge Commission for twenty-three years and served as the union president until his retirement in 2011. During his time with the Bridge Commission, he held the position as president of Local 194-A IFPTE (International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers).

In 1992, a friendship with his sister’s friend Joyce blossomed into marriage. He gained two daughters Leslie Joy and Julie Lewisa. Together, he and Joyce raised their grandson Justin. He was Justin’s “Hoppy”.

Cordell accepted the Lord and savior Jesus at a young age. He was a faithful member of Mt. Zion AME Church. He served as the Pastor Steward, Head of Finance, Trustee, and sang with many choirs.  He especially enjoyed the fellowship that he had with the Tri BoroMen’s Community Gospel chorus. Not only did he sing with them, they enjoyed sharing a monthly breakfast.

Cordell was a foodie! His German Chocolate Cake and homemade hamburgers were the best. He took delight and his sweet time whenever he made his special dishes for family and friends. He was a big Washington Redskins fan! He was an avid reader and enjoyed the adventure of travel. He was a fount of knowledge and trivia!

Cordell was everybody’s favorite! Cordell, Corky, Daddy, Pop Pop, Uncle Corky, Hoppy, whatever you called him, he loved his family, he was kind.  Anyone in his presence knew they could fall victim to his quick wit and antics. He shared a close bond with his nieces and nephews Gina Rene’, Kimberly Dee, Victor (Ky) Lee III, and Marques Boyd.

Cordell leaves in his legacy of love – his wife Joyce of 25 years, daughters Robin Eggleston (Troy), Rani Harrison (Stewart), Regan Washington and son Howard Kay (Ashley), two bonus daughters Leslie Turner (Donte) and Julie Jones, brother Victor L. Washington Jr. (Carol), special aunt Edna Washington Webb, thirteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, life long friends, Norman Perry, Horace Gibson, Edward “ Sonny” White, John Parnell and loving family and friends, including many Washingtons and Hunts who loved him dearly.