Sylvester Elroy Washington

Sylvester Elroy Washington was born the eldest child to Father, Sylvester Washington, and Mother, Ozell Bynum, on June 9, 1941 in Dumas, Arkansas. Sylvester graduated from Reed High School in 1958. Shortly after, he joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Sylvester was a devoted son to his mother and frequently made visits to Little Rock, Arkansas to spend time with her, his brother Virgil Taylor (Sabrina) and sister Stephanie Sheard. This last April, Sylvester traveled to Arkansas to celebrate his mother’s 100th birthday with family. 

After his years in the Army Sylvester relocated to Southern California where he obtained an associate’s degree. Sylvester spent his early adult years as a community activist with Jesse Jackson’s organization, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, in Los Angeles. Sylvester spent the majority of his career as a peace officer for the California Youth Authority for 30 years. 

Sylvester was affectionally called "Elroooyyyy" and “Honey” by the love of his life, Nancy Washington, who proceeded him in death. They were married on September 11, 1971. When Sylvester met Nancy not only did he fall in love with her, but he fell in love with her four children: Deborah Arline, Shanda Morgan (David), David Roberts II (Vivian), Rochelle Ali; and special daughter Monique Roberts.

Sylvester was known as “Pops” to his children and immediately embraced the role and duties of fatherhood. Sylvester was actively involved in his children’s education and sporting activities. Sylvester purchased a 24-foot motor home and took his immediate and extended family on numerous road trips. Sylvester “Pops” was the family chef and started a tradition of having a taco night every week. Sylvester was not only generous towards his love for Nancy and his children, but also to his “special sister”, his cousin Mickey, and her children throughout the years. Sylvester and Nancy spent many years living in Duarte, California and attended Berean Bible Church. In the mid-1980s, Sylvester and Nancy relocated to Upland, California, and became members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Like the commercial “like a good neighbor State Farm was there” Sylvester established deep relationships with all his neighbors and friends that lasted throughout his lifetime. 

Sylvester and Nancy’s union was full of love, fun and travel. They traveled across the country on numerous road trips and went on various cruises all over the world. The last noted vacation together was a trip to "The Holy Land" where Sylvester was baptized in the Jordan River by Rev. Richard Young and Pastor Brian E. Kennedy Sr., expressing his belief that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.  

Another great pleasure in Sylvester’s life was being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He was so proud to be known as “Papa” and “Big Papa”. He loved going to his grandkid’s events, numerous formula 1 and NASCAR races throughout the years, spending weekends with them, picking them up from school, going on adventures, and vacationing with his grandkids and great grandkids.

On Monday August 26, 2024, God called Sylvester home to heaven. He leaves to cherish the memories of his life his mother, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, spiritual family, neighbors, and friends.

 Sylvester is rejoicing in heaven with his beloved wife, Nancy Washington, son, David Roberts II, and brothers, Johnnie, Vernon, Robert Lee, and Robert Harold.