Martha Washington

September 11, 1935 - January 14, 2022

Reflections of Life “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 The Lord blessed us with an angel on earth – we are all thankful for the memories we shared! Martha Luevenia Harris-(McCaskell)-Washington was born to the blessed union of Rufus and Samuel Lee (Davis) Harris on September 11, 1935, in Canton, Mississippi. She was the 3rd of 9 beautiful children. She accepted Christ at an early age, even becoming a Sunday School Teacher at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana. She graduated from Roosevelt High as an honor student in Gary, Indiana. She continued her education at St. Joseph College and St. Catherine’s School of Medical Technology! She then retired from Lever Bros. after 20 years of Service. Martha was an active member of her beloved Rhema Baptist Assembly under the leadership of Rev. Norman E. Owens. Martha was the definition of Authentic, a true 1 of 1. With her lovely and radiating spirit, she could light up the room with her personality and her smile alone! She defined humility, class, and grace, no matter status or race, she treated everybody equally! Always quick to lend wisdom, a listening ear, or just a shoulder to cry on! There are no words to explain how much and what she meant to the lives she touched! On Friday, January 14, 2022, Ms. McCaskell-Washington was called home with the Lord, after battling chronic health issues. She was preceded in death by her Mother Samuel Lee Davis, Father Rufus Harris, Husbands, Roy D. Gillespie; Roy L. Washington, Brothers, Marvin Harris; Toby Harris, Sisters, Hattie Jane Harris; Orlando Harris-Crump and Sons, Roy E. Gillespie and Michael Marr. Martha is survived by her daughters, Helen (Anthony) Gillespie-Alexander; Marcia Gillespie; her son Marvin Gillespie; and daughter; Misty Dobynes, her siblings, David (Doris) Harris; Adrene Harris; Janie Harris-Mitchell; and Darlene Harris- Paine. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends. “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death” - Leonardo Da Vinci Acknowledgments The Family of Martha McCaskell-Washington wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the cards, messages, florals, condolences, and other expressions of sympathy extended to us during our bereavement. They have helped immeasurably in lightening our burden of sadness. We wish each of you to know we shall remain ever grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness. At Eventide I want to know when day is done, That life has been worth living… That I have brought somebody joy Through kind, unselfish giving. I want to feel when evening falls, And shadows quickly lengthen, That I have made somebody glad, Some weaknesses I have strengthened. I want to know, that come what may, I’ve left some cheer and gladness I want to know, that on my way, I’ve banished someone’s sadness. I want to feel, at close of day, That someone’s cares were lighter, Because of kindness I have done, May someone’s life be brighter.