Calvin Washington

Calvin Ellis Washington, aged 63, passed away in his home on Nov. 3, 2024. He was born on September 18, 1961, in Brooklyn, NY, to Thelma Marie Ratliff and Truman Toms. He was a 1975 graduate of Wingate High School in Brooklyn, New York. After 40 years in New York City, he became a proud resident of Raleigh, North Carolina where he resided with his family.

He was survived by his daughter Nakia (Kia), his son Maximillin (Max), his siblings (his twin Alvin, eldest brother Terrance, brothers in love Len, Ernie, Lee , Joe, sisters Constance, and Wanda and sisters in love Gail and Liz), nieces (Josie, Lisa, Dashanique, Leah, Essence, and Ashley), nephews (Robert, Terrance Jr, William, and Desean), great nieces and nephews (Nanyamka-Keyane', Jashali, Aminah, Arielle, Skylar, Kylo, Kashmir, and Krew), fur baby (Reggie), cousins, and a host of dear friends.

Waiting for him on the other side are his parents, his brother Jerome Washington, and his amazing wife, Diane Hilton. 

When Diane passed away unexpectedly at just 59 years old, the love Calvin and Diane had shown to others came back to him tenfold. Friends and neighbors lifted him and his family through those heartbreaking times.  Love and laughter was a common theme in the Washington home.

Calvin and Diane's love story started in 1979 in Brooklyn, NY at Calvin's favorite spot, McDonald's.  They were together for 41 years.  Calvin and Diane's bond was one that included lots of love, laughter and libations. While Diane was a great home decorator and cook, Calvin loved to fix things (or try to anyway) but they both focused on giving their children, Kia and Max a home where love and joyous occasions would be remembered. 

The last few years of Calvin’s life were a struggle as the ugly grip of end stage renal disease took hold. However, he refused to let his problems dictate when and where he would enjoy his hobbies and favorite sports team. While he loved North Carolina, he was a Jets, Giants, Knicks, and Mets fan. He loved talking about his teams, knew every roster, and watched every game as a true fan would. In fact, his last moments were spent watching the New York Giants on TV. 

In lieu of a funeral, the family will have a memorial in his honor at his home on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 4pm.

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