Alice Jewel Washington

Alice Jewel Fletcher Washington, affectionately known as "Nana," passed away on March 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 21, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Otis and Mabel Fletcher, Nana Alice's faith in Christ was nurtured at Mt Zion Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. A. R. Burns and First Lady Mrs. Mary Burns from a young age. She was a gifted pianist and organist, possessing the remarkable ability to read music. Nana Alice dedicated her musical talents to serving her church communities, playing for Hammond Church, Lawndale CRC, and Pullman CRC.

Alice obtained her early education through the Hammond Public School system, where she also earned her high school diploma in June 1965. Later, she pursued an Associate degree in Business at Calumet College. Shortly after graduating, Nana Alice met and fell in love with Henry W. Washington (predeceased). She was and is Henry's beloved Alice. Their union blessed them with the birth of Kimberly and Jeffrey.

Nana Alice's professional career spanned over three decades, during which she diligently served in the Hammond City Clerk's office. Her contributions extended beyond the city hall, as she briefly worked in the Hammond School District.

Alice, a remarkable woman of God, deeply cherished her family and friends. She found solace in the beauty of flowers and the comforting taste of Subway tuna sandwiches. As a devoted wife, mother, Nana, Auntie, and friend, Alice's love for her family burned with an unwavering passion.

Alice, a symbol of love and cherished memories, maintained close bonds with her school friends, Ms. Cora, Ms. Jane, Ms. Rhoda, and Ms. Judy, for over five decades. Their lunches together reminded them of their youthful days, as they once again resembled schoolgirls. Alice cherished these memories deeply. She embarked on wonderful vacations when they were younger with her husband, children, and brother. As her children grew older, Alice continued to travel with them. Alice's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love for God, travel, and her family.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:25 pm, Alice peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home. Our hearts shattered as we realized she was ready to reunite with her beloved husband, Henry, her grandson, Connor, and all her departed loved ones. While they eagerly welcomed her to the afterlife, our hearts were broken with grief and sorrow. Alice leaves us with the precious gift of her love and cherished memories. We will forever hold in our hearts the memories created and cherish our time with her. Rest now, Nana, our precious and fragile flower. We will love and miss you forever and ever. Our hearts are heavy with love for you.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Mabel Fletcher; her beloved husband, Henry W. Washington; her brother, Jesse S. Fletcher; her sister and brother-in-law, Bess and Donald Ferguson; her niece, Cheryl Lynn Fletcher; her grandson, Connor E. Shells; her great nephew, Edward Simmons III, and many other cherished angels in heaven.

Alice, a life well-lived, leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Those left to honor her memory are her daughter, Kimberly (Ennis) Shells; her son, Jeffrey (Dionne) Washington; her granddaughter, Sydney Renee (Aisha); her great-granddaughters, Adelyn Jones and Noelle Shells; her sister-in-law, Cherie Fletcher, Evelyn (Raymond) Washington, Diane Washington, her brother-in-law, Earl Washington, her beloved nieces, Maxine (Edward) Simmons, Natalie (Michael) Mack, and Owana (Keith) Miller, her great nieces, Jessica and Jennica Simmons, Candace (Eric) Stanley, Keiona (Sean) Conway, Nia Mack, Keaira Miller, Tiffany (Del) Chin, Monica (Chris) Faulkner, her nephews, Randy (Suane) Washington and family, Jason Washington and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. All will forever be deeply affected by her presence in their lives.

Visitation will take place Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1047 Kenwood St, Hammond, IN. Interment at Concordia Cemetery—Hammond, IN.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association ( www.mda.org ).

For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com

John 14:1-3
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive unto you myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”