Ilene E. Washington

Ilene Elizabeth Washington, 66, of Highland Oaks, Shippenville, died on Monday, August 6, 2012 at Clarion Hospital. Born on July 3, 1946 she was the daughter of the late Lt. Col. Retired Albert F. and Mattie A. Jeffries Washington. Ilene faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Clarion. She was also a member of the Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. She served as a Sunday school teacher, chairperson of the Evangelism Ministry, Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the United Methodist Women, at-large member of the church council, announcement ministry, and the United Usher Board. When asked by the pastor, Ilene would assist at the pulpit. Ms. Washington was an exemplary Language Arts teacher and was very involved in student activities. She was a 4th grade teacher at the Department of Defense Hanau American School in Hanau, Germany from 1974-1976 and continued teaching for the Department of Defense in Korea. She had an exuberant spirit with a contagious personality that loved her colleagues and her community. She enjoyed hosting parties, sharing her exquisite culinary skills. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and South America. Ilene graduated with her BA from Rutgers University and received her Masters of Arts in Teaching and Masters of Education from the College of New Jersey. Ilene retired in 2010 after 25 years of service as a teacher from the Atlanta Public Schools. She was also a dedicated Girl Scout leader and a member of the singles group S.P.I.R.T. (Single Persons Interchanging Religious Interest Together), where she served as the Spiritual Coordinator. Surviving is a brother Albert F. Washington Jr. and his wife Hoa of Ft. Worth, Texas and a sister Joanne A. Washington of Clarion, PA. Her nieces and nephews; Yvette Washington of Ft. Worth, Texas, Darius Washington and his wife Wilen of Mililani Town, HI, Clinton Washington of New York, NY, and Faith Washington of Sliver Springs, MD. She is also survived by her great-nieces; Farrah Gaskins, Sienna Washington, Jailyn Washington. Ilene was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Clarion, PA on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jason Hunter officiating. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or to obtain further information family and friends can visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.