Lorene Coleman Washington

Mrs. Lorene Coleman Washington

May 5, 1939 – June 29, 2026

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Matthew 25:23

With hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Mrs. Lorene Coleman Washington, who peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her life was a beautiful testimony of unwavering faith, steadfast service, and unconditional love for God, family, education, and community.

Lorene was born on May 5, 1939, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late Rev. Edward Coleman and Lucille Coleman. She was nurtured in a home where faith, education, hard work, and compassion were foundational values that would shape the course of her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her sisters, Edna Burton and Walterine Moore.

She graduated from Yazoo City High School before continuing her education at Lane College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Believing that education changes lives, she pursued graduate studies at Xavier University, earning a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling.

In 1963, Lorene united in holy matrimony with Clyde Washington, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and mutual devotion. Together they were blessed with two children, Sheena "Queen" Washington and Clyde "Champ" Washington II, who were among her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments.

Mrs. Washington devoted her professional life to educating, mentoring, and empowering young people. She faithfully served the Chillicothe City School District as a guidance counselor at Chillicothe High School, where she became a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate for countless students. Believing that every child possessed untapped potential waiting to be discovered, she dedicated herself to helping young people navigate life's challenges while encouraging them to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and lives of purpose.

Following her distinguished career in public education, she continued her life's mission by co-founding K and C Educational, partnering with the David Ater Dyslexia and ADHD Clinic to provide free supplemental tutoring and educational support to children and families throughout the community. Whether serving students in the school building or through community-based educational initiatives, Lorene remained steadfast in her conviction that every child deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Her excellence in education and unwavering commitment to students earned her numerous honors, including the Blue Chip Award from the State of Ohio, the Outstanding Service Award for SAT Testing Service, recognition as an Honorary Admission Officer for the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a distinguished Community Service Award. Yet those who knew her best understood that the lives she transformed through her encouragement, wisdom, and genuine care were the greatest testimony to her life's work.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Sis. Washington faithfully served at Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she was a cherished member of the Steward Board, the Women's Missionary Society, and faithfully served as Superintendent of the Sunday Church School. She loved God's people, treasured God's Word, and faithfully invested herself in the spiritual growth of generations of believers.

Her commitment to service extended well beyond the walls of the church. She faithfully served as Second Vice President of the NAACP, advocating for justice, equality, and opportunity throughout the community. She also served on the Peter Blosser Foundation, the Ross County Juvenile Review Board, and was a charter member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ross County. As the owner of L's Everything in Sports, she championed Black entrepreneurship and encouraged the community to invest in locally owned businesses.

She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, faithfully living out its ideals of scholarship, sisterhood, service, and social action.

Sis. Washington was a faithful servant, an extraordinary educator, devoted community leader, and passionate advocate for children and families throughout Chillicothe and Ross County. Through decades of service as a counselor, mentor, entrepreneur, educator, and activist, she invested her life in helping others discover their potential and fulfill their God-given purpose. She truly embodied the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16, allowing her light to shine before others through a life marked by faith, excellence, humility, compassion, and service.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy continues in every student she encouraged, every family she strengthened, every ministry she supported, and every life she touched. Her influence will continue to bless generations yet unborn.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children, Sheena "Queen" Washington and Clyde "Champ" Washington II; her devoted sisters, Margaret Ann Kimmon of Rock Island, Illinois, Lucille Spears (Reginald) of Jackson, Mississippi, Jean Kerney (Willie) of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Elizabeth Milliner of Troy, Ohio; together with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, church family, former students, colleagues, and countless individuals whose lives were forever enriched by her love, wisdom, generosity, and faithful witness.

Today we celebrate not only the years she lived but the lives she transformed. Her race has been completed, her work is finished, and her faith has become sight. We thank God for the gift of Lorene Coleman Washington—a woman whose life will forever remind us that greatness is measured not merely by accomplishments, but by faithful service to God and humanity.

"Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16

The family will receive friends at Quinn Chapel A.M.E Church, 181 W. Main Street, Chillicothe on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and Thursday, July 9, from 12:00pm to 1:00 pm. Her Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm followed by burial at Grandview Cemetery.