Essie Washington was the youngest of six children born to Peter and Mariah Wilson on September 15, 1924 on Wampee Road in Pinopolis, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Rena, Francina, Samuel, Robert and Joseph.

Her formal education took place at a small school house in Pinopolis, South Carolina.

Essie married her childhood sweetheart, William Washington. This union was blessed with six children.

Essie and William moved to Cleveland, Ohio where they lived for the next fifty years.

Essie's Christian faith was developed at an early age. During her years in Cleveland, the family attended St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Essie was quite proud of raising her six children and ensuring that they completed their education beyond high school. She excelled in perfecting her skills in sewing, cooking, making many quilts and her legendary cakes and rolls. In 1997, she and William moved their residency back to South Carolina where they joined Wesley United Methodist Church.

She occupied her life visiting her many relatives and siblings; growing house plants, outdoor gardening and cooking until her husband's death in 2012.

She spent years traveling between her house and South Carolina and visiting her children in Cleveland until her death.

Those left to cherish her memories are: her devoted children, Ruby M. Brooks (Robert), Willie M. Marshall (Dannie), Constance Washington all of Cleveland, OH, Dr. William J. Washington (Jayne) of Oxford, FL, Melvin U. Washington (Jacqueline) of Springfield, MA and James D. Washington (Justine) of Bury St. Edmunds, England; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; five great, great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Bertha Wilson; and a host of relatives and friends.