Bishop Charles Edward Washington Sr.

Bishop Charles Edward Washington Sr., 73, transitioned to his heavenly home on May 25,2023 at 11:05 am at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Bishop Charles Washington, Sr. was born March 12,1950 to Mary Louise (Washington) Brown and Edward Mayes in Coldwater, Mississippi. Bishop Charles married the love of his life Nellie Johnson on August 20,1977 in Pleasant Hill Mississippi. The two became inseparable and to that union they bore 2 children. In addition, God blessed their union with four more beautiful children. Bishop Charles worked for the City of Peoria for 20 years where he also retired and became a full-time Pastor. Bishop loved everything about ministry and helping people. He was a great influence and inspiration to all he came across. No one was a stranger; he would talk to a stop sign and minister. He loved fishing, reading and watching his all-time favorite TV show was Gun Smoke. Bishop Charles was the Founder of New Freedom True Holiness Ministries and also the founder of the gospel group Nell and the Gospel Connection. Bishop Charles was an amazing musical artist. He was a talented song writer and a gifted musician who played multiple musical instruments. Bishop Charles was also a past session musician with Stax Records while in Memphis, TN where he played with the famous Isaac Hayes, Elvis Presley, the Bar-Kays and Con Funk Shun. He will truly be missed as being an amazing husband, father, friend, Pastor and mentor. Bishop Charles leaves to cherish his most precious memories, his beautiful wife of 45 years, Evangelist Nellie Washington; three sons, Charles (Britnay) Washington, Jr., Pastor Victor (Charlene) Washington and Alfred Washington all of Peoria, IL; four daughters, Charlene (Thomas) Douglas of St. Louis, MO, Cassandra Washington, Letreauna Washington and Tyressa Washington all of Peoria, IL; six sisters, Ruby Richardson, Julis Franklin, Ruby Nell (Scott) Combs of Peoria, IL, Barb (James) Threatt of Olive Branch MS, Diane Newson of Memphis TN and Emma Jean Harris of Olive Branch, MS; one brother, Wilbert Mayes of Olive Branch, MS; his play daughter, Christina Sykes of Peoria, IL; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends whom he loved dearly. He is proceeded in death by his parents, one son, Christopher Mayes; three brothers, Robert Massey, Jimmy Mayes and Willie Mayes and four sisters, Willie Mae Wellmaker, Rosie Petty, Mary Massey and Carolyn Myers. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:00AM at Grace Apostolic Church, 1523 S Laramie St, Peoria, IL 61605, with a one hour visitation prior beginning at 9:00AM. Rev. Victor Washington, Pastor of The Life Outreach Center and son of Bishop Washington, will officiate and bring the eulogy. Bishop Washington will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Bishop Charles Edward Washington Sr.

March 12, 1950 - May 25, 2023