Mr. Joe Washington departed this life peacefully on August 5, 2025, at Diversicare of Winfield Nursing Home surrounded by family.  He was born on February 2, 1937, in Vernon, AL, to the late James Washington and Stella Enoch Sykes.

Joe was united in holy matrimony to Martha S. Harrington on June 28, 1958.  To this union, two daughters were born.

Joe was employed by Hyster Company in Sulligent, AL, and retired after 30 years of service.  He served on several boards and worked faithfully at  Vernon Chapel CME Church as long as his health would permit

Joe was preceded in death by parents, James Washington and Stella Sykes, and his brothers, Eugene Sykes, Donald Sykes, Paul Washington, Harold Sykes, and Willie Sykes..

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Pastor Willie Nell Johnson-Degraeffenried officiating.  A graveside service will follow at Furnace Hill.  Visitation will be 12:00-1:00 prior to the service.

Pallbearers were his former co-workers from Hyster, and family and friends.

Joe leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 67 years, Martha Washington of Vernon, AL; two daughters, Debra (William) Jenkins of Vernon, AL and Elixabeth (Mike) Washington of Montgomery, AL; two grandsons, Alex (Brianna) Jenkins Pittsburgh, PA and Latrell (Sarah) Jenkins of Tuscaloosa, AL; one great-grandson, Winston Jenkins of Pittsburgh, PA; one brother, Johnny Sykes of Tuscaloosa, AL; one sister, Clara Sykes of Augusta, GA; one sister-in-law, Helen Walker of Vernon, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.