Obituary of Arthur William Washington

On August 11, 1953, Arthur W. Washington was born to Marjorie (Martin) Washington and the late Reverend Leon Washington.  Also born on that date was Art’s twin brother, Arnold L. Washington.

Arthur was baptized in the river at the age of 7 by his father, the late Rev. Washington.  Arthur gave his life to God and began singing in the choir until he was 18 years old.

Art, as he was well known, was educated in the Camden school district and graduated from Camden High in 1970.  Art joined the high school co-op program and got a job at D & W Famous Store on Broadway.  That’s where he met Bo Simpson and their friendship has lasted 45 years.

Art excelled in mathematics which later gave him opportunities in the building trades, such as stone mason, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.  He could fix almost anything.

If you knew Art, you would also know that he loved to hang out with his “crew”, Bo, Dexter, Leon, Parris and Tariq.  Art was the type of person who would bring “joy” into the atmosphere.  He could make you laugh even when you did not feel like it.  He made friends with people all over Camden City.  Art had a heart of gold.  He would help anybody do anything.  He would work for you and sometimes not even get paid but he did it anyway.

Art was a great cook who had his skills passed on to him from his Mom.  When you got one of Art’s platters, all you could say was it was delicious.  Art had many friends because he was a friendly guy.  That in itself is a true testament.  Being a friend is a gift and friendship takes work and commitment and should be cherished.

Arnold, Art’s twin brother said that Art was always there for him and losing him created an empty space in his heart and he will be missed.

In addition to his father, the late Rev. Leon Washington, he is preceded in death by three siblings, Leon Jr., Theresa and Brenda; and his stepfather, Walter Williams. 

Art would say don’t cry for me…live on.  So Art leaves not to mourn but to live on, his mother, Marjorie Williams; his twin brother, Arnold; sister, Fern Jenkins (Simon); his brother, Reverend Larry (Rev. Audrey Blackwell-Washington); his stepbrothers, Walter Jr., Charlie, Eric, Neal and Bart; his children, Arthur Adams, Yavonka Bryant, and Demetrius Washington; twelve grandchildren; his friend, Bernice Livingston; his special friend, Mary Kirk; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other friends, and “the crew.  Art’s charge of being a father to his own children also extended to Bryant, LaZaa, Kenneth, Shalisha, Shanae Kenya and Kimberly.