George “Zeno” Washington, Sr

The Early Years and School Years
On November 25, 1942, in Darrow, Louisiana, George Washington was born to the late Kermit and Florence Harris Washington. Although he was named George at birth, his mother shared that an angel appeared to her during her pregnancy and told her to name him Zeno. After his birth, the angel reappeared, warning her that if she didn’t name him Zeno, he would be taken from her. From that day forward, his family called him "Zeno," and his mother never referred to him as George again. He would learn later in life that the name Zeno is often associated with strength, wisdom, and intellectual curiosity; moreover, and remarkably, it was also the name of his paternal great-grandfather—a fact neither he nor his mother had known.
Zeno grew up in Marrero, Louisiana, after his mother relocated from Darrow and remarried Oscar Duckett, Sr., his stepfather, who played a significant role in raising him. Zeno deeply respected Oscar, often quoting his advice, and continued to follow his guidance long after his passing, such as not fishing on Sundays amongst other things.
As a child, Zeno was adored by his grandmother, Virginia Gable Harris, who affectionately called him “whiskers” because of his hairy mustache and beard when he became an adult. He was the only one she trusted to drive her to Darrow for family visits in his 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. He would absolutely have to stop to purchase her favorite candy on the way! Zeno was a spirited and active child, often a handful for his mother. He was hard to manage even on his best behavior. She regularly resorted to putting him in a dress to try to curb his mischievous ways, though it never worked he carried on anyhow.
Many people are unaware that Zeno experienced paralysis as a young man. One day, while playing outside, he suddenly collapsed, unable to move his arms or legs. His childhood friend, Eddie Williams, carried him home on his back. Zeno remained paralyzed and unable to speak for an extended period. His mother Florence, grandmother, Virgina, and aunt Madora Harris remained at his bedside praying continually. He had what in today’s terms would be paralytic poliomyelitis. He was unable to move any limbs or speak. He would make eye gestures to communicate. One day, while they were still praying for him, he reached out and asked for a straw for his chocolate milk. A miracle had occurred! He made a full recovery with no lasting effects.
Much later in his life, Zeno would experience another miracle when he survived an aneurysm of his main aorta. He always carried a “tough as nails” persona. He was grateful for what God had done for him and often spoke of it. When he reminisced about it, he would be in tears, never forgetting.
Zeno accepted Christ at the age of 27 and was baptized by the late Pastor Haywood Custer at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Marrero. He loved the Lord and really enjoyed talking about the bible especially Old Testament stories.
Zeno attended Primary school at William Memorial and Rosenwald Elementary before proudly graduating from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1963. A fierce competitor, he played basketball and baseball and was known for his speed. He was accepted to and had planned to attend Grambling State University, but when his plans fell through, Zeno developed a new plan and in his own words, "ran away" to join the United States Air Force.
Military/Work Career
Zeno proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force. He enlisted on August 8, 1963. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX he was stationed at McCoy Air Force Base in Florida as a Vehicle Operator and Controller of air traffic. He also loaded bombs on the planes. During his service, he did a tour in Guam and other countries, and he distinguished himself through dedication and hard work. After four years of honorable service, at the end of his enlistment, he was discharged on August 8, 1967.
After his military service, Zeno took courses at Delgado Community College and Southern University at New Orleans. He worked at Celotex, Continental Grain Elevator, and after 30 plus years at Union Pacific Railroad, formerly Missouri Pacific Railroad (Mo-Pac) he retired in 2009. During the Mo-Pac railroad strike of the 1980s, he also worked in security.
Family Life, Hobbies and Fun Times
In 1965, Zeno married his high school sweetheart, Thelma “Tiney” Hawkins. Together, they had five children: George, Jr. “Skitter,” Pamela Gisell, Karen, Kermit Michael, and Keshell. As an avid fisherman, Zeno frequently took his family fishing and crabbing in Lafitte and Boutte. Even when he could no longer fish for himself, he loved watching fishing shows on TV. Family gatherings were a highlight for Zeno, complete with badminton, homemade ice cream, and boiled crabs, always accompanied by the sounds of Maze, Grover Washington Jr., or smooth jazz in the background. Zeno loved artists like The Temptations, The Impressions, Sam Cooke, Brook Benton, and he kept a small album collection.
Zeno also had a passion for gardening and lawn care. He took pride in the vegetables he grew and in his beautiful plants, which he would place in everything from coffee pots to storage containers. His green thumb was undeniable, and he was known for his perfectly manicured lawn. Residents of Haydel Manor often heard his frequent proclamation, “Get off my grass!” He kept it as neat as a carpeted floor!
Zeno had a deep love for music and always kept it playing. Whether sitting outside on the porch on Cohen St. or relaxing with the radio playing from his truck, music was a constant companion. He carried a winning attitude wherever he went and loved to boast about his successes—whether it was hitting the blackout at Bingo, landing a winning spot on the football pool, or having a good night at the casino. Gaming was a favorite pastime of his, and he enjoyed picking his “Pick 3” or Lotto numbers, often with an uncanny ability to remember digits. He could pull numbers from anywhere—even your vehicle’s license plate!
In the latter half of his life and throughout his remaining years, he enjoyed spending time with his companion Olivia “Poochie” Scott. They shared many things in common and were often inseparable. He enjoyed teasing and joking with her and traveling to casinos on bus trips. They shared a love for watching church on TV, football, and movies.
He loved football. He would watch diligently and would hang up on you if you called in the middle of the game. He taught his children to love the game as well and he frequently enjoyed the Monday armchair quarterback conversations with them. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He referred to them as “chips off the ole block”.
Zeno was a passionate card player and spent countless days playing Spades or Bid Whist with friends from around the community. He even pulled his daughter in and taught her to play with and beat the best of them. A genuine family bond was formed over 30 years with his card-playing-family. His winning attitude and demeanor were passed down throughout his children and grandchildren. He would often declare, “If Ya weak, Ya beat!”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeno would spend one day a week with his friends at Boomtown Casino’s buffet. He looked forward to it. This was one of his favorite pastimes. He loved to eat! He called it grubbing! If you were not looking, he would eat yours too!
He loved reading the paper everyday and was upset when the Times-Picayune stopped printing every day. He kept up with current events and what was happening around the world. From his military days, he was always punctual. If you were scheduled to pick him up for a certain time, and you were on time, he would tell you that you were late! He was not a huge telephone man but would sit on the porch with you for hours on end.
Zeno will be missed for his quick wit and ability to poke fun in a way that makes you laugh at your own shortcomings without hurting your feelings. He was indeed a no-nonsense man. Whatever he said, he meant. He was straight with his words and would often say, “Don’t cross me!” At the same time, he also had a tender heart. He possessed a strong work ethic that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was always so proud to hear about his grandchildren not only working but advancing and performing well on their jobs and while in college.

Cherished by
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit Washington, Sr., Florence and Oscar Duckett, Sr.; his father and mother-in-law, Thomas “Do-Man” and Ophelia Hawkins, Sr.; his children, Pamela Gisell, Kermit Michael, and Keshell; his siblings, John Washington, Birdie Johnson, Lorena Davis, Delores Marshall, Kermit Washington, Jr, Joseph Washington, Sr., Ralph Washington, Oscar Duckett, Jr., Gloria Duckett, and Lionel Duckett; sisters-in-law Helen Grace Washington, Ruby Coats Becker, Dorothy Jean Hawkins, Idessa Ruth Hawkins; brothers-in-law Ronald Hawkins, James Rodney Hawkins, and Marvin Michelle Hawkins, T. J. Becker and Wayne Walters.
The remaining loved ones who share many memories include; his wife Thelma (Tiney) Washington; his daughter, Karen Washington of Baton Rouge, LA; his grandchildren, Brittney Washington of Orlando, FL, Guy Jackson (Veronica) of Marrero, LA, E’naira Washington of Dallas, TX, and Gavaun Washington of Houston, TX; his great-grandchildren, Kaeden and Kyli Jackson; his godchildren; Desiree “Dookey” Johnson, Edward “Pokey” Jackson, Ismail Jackson; his siblings Rosemary Pinkney (Samuel) of Atlanta, GA, Robert Duckett, Malinda Bell, and Emelda Washington of Darrow, La; five Sisters-in-law Claudette Autrey, Debra (Kenneth) Johnson, Carmen Walters, Angela (Shanan) Horne, Iris Hawkins, Elaine Hawkins, Jonnie Mae Duckett; four brothers in law Thomas Hawkins, Jr, Alton “TC” Hawkins, Kirbie Hawkins, Jarvis (Vera) Hawkins, Robert Johnson; his devoted and loving companion and caretaker, Olivia “Poochie” Scott and all of the Scott family whom he spent many years with especially Olivia’s mother Hester “Ma-Ma” Scott, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A celebration of Life and Legacy in honor of George, Sr. and George, Jr. will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 6533 Acre Rd., Marrero, La 70072. Visitation begins for 8am followed by Celebration of Life Service for 10am. Pastor Reginald Nicholas, Sr. Officiating. Graveside committal service to follow on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, La 70460, Pastor Jermaine Hampton, Sr. officiating. Arrangements of his final care entrusted with Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy, Gramercy, La 70052
“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a Treasure”