04/16/2026
Walter "Jeff" Washington was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1946 to Jeffery II "Daddy Jeff" and Louis Washington.
He was one of twelve children, raised in Detroit before later moving to Milan, Michigan. Jeff was known as an ambitious, protective, generous, and charismatic man—someone who always "told it like it is." From an early age, he aspired to follow in his father's footsteps.
As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Jennifer, while skating at Sumpter Skating Rink. The two were married in 1966 and remained inseparable for nearly 60 years. They were blessed with two sons, Troy and Mark Washington.
Jeff's hobbies included attending hot rod car shows, where he proudly showcased his beautiful 1932 Ford Victoria and won many awards. He was also a familiar presence at the Woodward Dream Cruise, attending each year since 1995.
If he wasn't working, Jeff loved building with his hands. In fact, he built his own home and those of others. He loved boating, often taking friends and family along for rides on Belleville Lake while Motown music played in the background. He also enjoyed watching and caring for the variety of fish in his aquarium. During the colder months, Jeff and Jennifer would travel to their home in Las Vegas, where they enjoyed the warmth and time together.
An Activist in the Making
Jeff Washington began his career at Ford Motor Company's Wayne Assembly Plant (WAP) on March 13, 1964. From the very beginning, he made history as the first Black person at WAP to be classified as a Gun Welder Repairman. In 1976, while continuing his work at the plant, he was appointed UAW Benefits Representative.
Jeff's journey in UAW Local 900 was marked by dedication and steady leadership. He served on the Executive Board and held positions as Guide, Recording Secretary, and Vice President before being elected President of UAW Local 900 in 1984. He led with strength and purpose for 24 years, retiring in 2008 as the longest-serving Local President in UAW history. His 44½-year career at Ford was marked not just by longevity, but by lasting impact.
As a leader in the labor movement, Jeff took pride in protecting people. He fought against unfair labor practices while safeguarding wages and benefits for working families. If you had a problem, you knew to call Jeff—he stood on business, and he made sure his members were protected. As a National Negotiator for multiple terms, he helped save thousands of jobs, brought product into the plants, and negotiated contracts that continue to benefit families to this day.
Jeff was instrumental in creating opportunities and improving everyday working conditions. He helped send hourly workers to Japan to learn team-based operations and introduced improvements such as astroturf and rubber mats to ease the strain of long hours on the line. He also worked to remove physical barriers within the plant, breaking down divisions between salaried and hourly employees to reinforce that everyone was part of the same team.
Under Jeff's leadership, Wayne Assembly Plant became a place of growth and innovation. It was among the first to establish a fitness center inside the plant, bring educational programs onsite, and develop alternative work schedules, including the four-day work week. He also played a key role in bringing a stamping plant to the location, creating over 1,100 jobs.
Through it all, Jeff built more than a workplace—he built a culture rooted in loyalty, hard work, dedication, and compassion. He believed deeply that you never turn your back on your brother or sister.
Jeff will be remembered for many things, but especially for how he made people feel. He had a way of showing up—whether attending funerals, visiting hospitals, or simply checking in. He made people feel seen and heard. He treated everyone like family, and that was his superpower.
Jeff Washington, known as "The Blueprint," was the example others followed—the one who set the standard, paved the way, and showed what leadership truly looks like. His legacy lives on not only in what he accomplished, but in the lives he touched. He is, and always will be, a lasting part of UAW history.
Jeff was also an active life member of the NAACP and a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, reflecting his lifelong commitment to uplifting others both within and beyond his community.
Jeff passed away on April 8, 2026, in his home.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer "Bonnie" "Fat Baby" Washington; his son, Troy Washington; his daughter-in-law, Angela Washington; his grandchildren, DeAndre "Buddy" Washington, Britany (Washington) Mitchell and Matthew Mitchell, Ashley Washington, and Aaron Cook; and his step-grandchild, La'Antwynette Harden. He is also survived by his sisters, Evonne Johnson-Dudley, Joyce Frierson, Anita Washington-Jenkins, and Vera Washington; his great-grandchildren, Autumn, Matthew Jr., Michael, and Aubree Mitchell; and his godchildren, Timika Hopson and Michael Jeffery Thomas, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Mark Washington; his sister, Jeane Joy; and his brothers, Jeffery III, George, Edward, Terry, Gregory, and Kenneth Washington.
Visitation will be held at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan, on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Family hour will be held at Milan Free Methodist Church, 950 E. Arkona Rd., Milan, MI 48160 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9:00am until time of funeral service beginning at 10:00am. Burial will follow at United Memorial Garden in Plymouth.
Livestream
The funeral will be livestreamed via the Milan Free Methodist Church. Please follow the following link, and the livestream will appear as a live video at the scheduled service time.
To watch funeral livestream: https://www.youtube.com/
