Crystal Nicole Washington

Crystal Nicole Washington was born at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital on March 9, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, to the proud parents of Odis Parker and Debra Washington. She was raised on the West Side of Chicago.

Crystal was baptized at an early age and consistently demonstrated a profound love for learning and for others. She was a beloved daughter, a beautiful blend of strength, wit, and seriousness with a great heart.

Crystal was a remarkable individual whose presence touched the lives of many with grace and kindness. Having a conversation with Crystal left you feeling enriched, for she had a way of making you feel wiser and loved. She graduated from Dvorak School of Excellence and Farragut High School with honors. Her love for knowledge inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.

Crystal loved helping people, and her compassion extended into her career as well. She began as a caretaker not only to those in the nursing homes where she worked, but towards family members needing additional attention.  She later became a PACE driver for the State of Illinois, where she excelled—earning one of the highest test scores in her class and becoming the first female to achieve such recognition. After being diagnosed with Lupus in 2009, she approached every role in life with quiet strength, humility, and brilliance. Those who had the pleasure of meeting her were truly impacted by her kind spirit and humorous ways. She had a style of her own, she loved glamour and being fashionable. Her intelligence, curiosity, and determination were evident to all who knew her.

Crystal was an avid reader – give her a good book and a good meal, and she was perfectly content. She was well-rounded and knew something about every subject. Her intellect allowed her to converse with the best of the best. A skill that proved beneficial in her last place of employment, Raising the Bar Tax Services, as an accountant and administrative assistant.

 Crystal was a devoted mother to her three beautiful daughters—each one blessed with a name beginning with the letter “E,” carefully chosen for its special meaning. Her girls were her heart, pride, and joy. She loved them deeply and worked tirelessly to provide them with love, stability, and inspiration. Some of her proud moments were seeing her daughters graduate from college, high school, and elementary school. Crystal loved life and embraced it fully. She enjoyed dancing, singing, traveling, and attending family gatherings and celebrations. Though her journey with lupus was a difficult one, she faced it with courage and poise. Her determination and joyful spirit never faded, and even in her toughest moments, she remained a fighter—one who refused to give up. Her body may have grown weary, but her spirit stayed strong until the end. Crystal Nicole Washington aka “CHOPS” you will be missed.

Funeral Video