Mr. Herman Washington, of Charleston South Carolina passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the age of 96. Herman was born on December 30, 1926, in Eutawville, South Carolina to Peter Washington and Victoria Green Washington. He lived in Eutawville until 1941. Seeking a better life and greater opportunities, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina and lived with his sister Audrey.

As a very young man he learned to work diligently and to take on whatever job was available to support himself. He worked various jobs including at the Ideal White Swan Laundry that he would later own. In 1969, he became an entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Ideal White Swan Laundry with his loving wife Lucille Washington from 1969-1989. Around the same time, he started his love affair with owning luxury cars and real estate.

Herman was a member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church of Charleston. He was also a member of many organizations where he was recognized for his outstanding service with many distinguished awards. Herman was a member of Saxon Lodge #249. He had the distinguished honor of being a 33rd Degree Mason in recognition of his contributions to the fraternity and the larger community in which he lived. In addition, he was a Shriner with the Arabian Temple #139. Finally, he was a member of the George Washington Carver Consistory # 162 where he had the title of Sublime Prince; he also served as treasurer for many years.

Mr. Washington was a strong patriarch for his family, a good friend to all and a pillar of the community. Herman was a great father who took care of his children and did his best to teach and guide them. He was always a loving grandfather who was proud of the achievements of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Herman was a dignified, proud, and honorable man. He is loved and will be missed by many.

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Peter Washington, and Victoria Green Washington; his son Herman Lee Haynes; his siblings, Audrey Washington Anderson, Booker Washington, James Washington, Lucille Washington Rock, Rebecca Washington, Frank Washington, and Willy Washington; and his first wife Lula Waring Washington.

Mr. Washington is survived by his devoted wife Lucille Washington of Charleston South Carolina; children Romona Gibson (Russell) of Greensboro, North Carolina and Peter Jerome Washington of West Ashley, South Carolina; his grandchildren Michelle K. Haynes of New York, New York, Olympia Haynes of New York, New, York, Arkim Haynes of Bronx, New York, Lydia Cecil (Christopher) of High Point, North Carolina, Andrew Gibson of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Kristina Davis (Geno) of Charlotte, North Carolina; great grandchildren India Haynes of New York, New York, Kamerin Carter Haynes of Bronx, New York, Zoya Grace Cecil of High Point, North Carolina and Keon Davis of Charlotte, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved relatives and friends.

All are welcome for a viewing on Thursday, May 4th from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm, with the family hour from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 684 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston SC 29403.

The Funeral Service will be LIVE STREAMED via the Smith-McNeal Facebook Page. Streaming will begin at the Hour of the Service.

Herman's funeral service will be held on Friday, May 5th at 11am at Jerusalem Baptist Church.
Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Garden, 2915 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made in Herman's name to a charity of choice.