Ethel Lorene Washington Powell, better known as "GRAMMY" was born on February 23, 1945 in Vancouver, Washington to the union of Carrie Bell Washington-Jackson and Shedrick Dennis Washington Sr.. She was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ethel enjoyed teaching, giving Mt. Diablo Unified School District 30+ years of academic excellence. After retirement Ethel provided 1-on-1 tutoring to children who required the extra assistance. In her past-time Ethel loved giving her time to The Ambrose Recreation Center, working at the Ambrose Swimming pool during the summertime; cooking for her family and doing her crossword puzzles. In the early 2000's she chose to give back to the community by becoming a Foster Parent through the Contra Costa Children Family Services and Employment Human Services-Foster Care Network. Also, remembering Ethel (Grammy) as a member of Sisters of Purpose of Bay Point, Ca.

Grammy departed this life on Friday, March 6th, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Bell Jackson and Shedrick Washington Sr., two brothers Charles Leon Washington and Shedrick Washington Jr. She leaves to remember, cherish and celebrate her life, her sisters, Sybil Johnson of Concord,CA, Pomey Johnson, Linda Washington and Lucinda Jackson of Pittsburg,CA.
Children: Yvette McKinley (3) of Atlanta, GA, Yvonne McGowan (4) of Atlanta, GA, Yolanda Washington (2) of Bay Point, CA, James O'neal III (6) of Discovery Bay, CA and Le'Andra Turner of Antioch, CA (2). Ethel provided for three (3) Foster sons, Lamar Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, and A'vante Love. She has 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 2:00pm at Oak View Memorial Park 2500 E. 18th St., Antioch, Ca 94509.