Eva M. Washington

Eva Marie Washington was born on September 28th, 1949, to Lillie Mae Stanley and Thomas Washington in Denver, Colorado. Eva grew up in Northeast Denver, navigating a childhood shaped by a strict yet loving mother and the companionship of her younger brother, Michael Harris Sr. Her foundational years were spent attending Denver Public Schools, graduating from Manual High School, and attending Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where her lifelong love for music first blossomed in the church choir. Eva was a songstress, her voice echoing the joy she found in music. From her beginnings in church choirs to her time with the traveling High School Choir, The Bolt Vibrations, Eva was always "sanging". Whether it was throughout the house, with a band, or along with the radio. In her later years, she found camaraderie and laughter with the community choir, The Joyful Singers, where her spirited personality, complete with playful "flips off," endeared her to all. Eva built a distinguished career in customer service, touching countless lives with her infectious smile and smooth demeanor. Her professional journey began at Mountain Bell, continuing through its evolution to US West and Qwest. Later, she brought her warmth and dedication to prominent companies such as FedEx, H&R Block, Ralph Lauren Polo, and Arapahoe County Human Services, consistently making lasting friendships at every location. Beyond her professional life, Eva embraced life with an unparalleled zest. She was an avid reader, especially captivated by a good murder mystery. Her television favorites included PBS, Cooking Shows, Judge Judy, Law and Order, and many others. However, it was live performances and music that truly ignited her spirit. Many summer evenings found Eva at the Pavilions in City Park, watching a captivating play, or strolling the 16th Street Mall, enjoying the vibrant energy of street performers, or attending City Park Jazz Fest with family and friends. She was a dedicated fan of several local bands, always a spirited presence in the crowd, often heard shouting “Give the Drummer Some.” She was a culinary artist, celebrated for the best Fried Chicken, EVER, making perfect grits, and a comforting pot of beans. Though she often claimed her peach cobbler was "nasty," it was, in fact, legendary, as was her lemon cake and her banana nut bread, specially made with pecans. Eva was a force of nature. Affectionately (and sometimes secretly) known as "Evil Eva," she was undeniably strict but always fair, ensuring her expectations were clear. To her children, she was a rock that displayed strength, perseverance, toughness, and unwavering love. Her children still tell people she is the strongest woman they’ve ever known. To her nieces and nephews, she was Aunt Marie, a steadfast presence in the family, often sought out for advice and as the voice of reason. To her grandkids, she was Granny, preparing breakfast in the morning before school, and ensuring they were always equipped for the day ahead. And to all, Eva's wisdom showed brightest through her advice, seemingly tough at the moment, but profoundly true when needed. She possessed an incredible ability to make the best situation out of the worst, a resilience that became a cornerstone of her legacy. A beloved mother, cherished friend, and vibrant presence in her community. Many will recall “The Pond” in the backyard on Lafayette. Family friend's brag to this day about Eva having Feng Shui (Fung shway), as he remembers the ambiance of the candlelit path from the front room to the backyard pond, boasting about how classy and welcoming it was. When in fact, it was during a summer in which we were surviving without electricity, and only we knew the true extent of the struggle, because Eva always maintained dignity and strength. She famously taught, "You can be broke, but you never have to look like it!". Eva was a survivor, and she instilled that same indomitable spirit in all those she loved. And we can all still hear her saying her famous phrase, “Truly”. Her laughter, strength, advice, and unwavering heart will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, joy, and the melody of a life beautifully lived. Eva transitioned to become an ancestor on July 11th, 2025, surrounded by family and love. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-love Charlette Rios-Tate, longtime friend Jackie Wilson, and her niece Katrice Harris. Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Michael Harris Sr., her sister-in- love, Janice Harris, brother-in-love and #1 fan Kenneth Jackson Jr., her daughter, Dawn Washington, son, Dane Washington (daughter-in-love, Lucille Washington). Her grandsons Romain Washington - Duke, Jahvell Forrest, Azhaunte Forrest, Dane Washington Jr., Damari Washington, and Christopher Rollerson Jr., six great-grandchildren. Her nieces and nephews, Nico Nave (Troy Moore), Michael Harris Jr. (Cynthia Harris-Newsome) Alisha Harris, Metise Moore, Evan Moore, Myeda Moore, Shana Jones, Janelle Jones, Robert Rios, Kola Rios, Shawn Jordan, Janice Nave, (Shelbi Berry) Chaya Harris, Michael Harris III, Patrick Holloway, Di’Anna Wilson, Napoleon Wilson, Nkenge McDowell, and Logan Griffin, Cousins in Love, George and Joyce Jones, and a host of immediate family and friends.

Eva M. Washington

September 28, 1949 - July 11, 2025