Jason's Story

A mother's first-born son; a grandma's "Big Cuddly" Teddy Bear; a sister's champion and protector; a wife's best friend, snuggler, and provider; his daughter's first love and hero; his family source of love, laughter, and awesomeness; his friends' encourager, "I Got You" and the best fishing buddy. Jason Lamar Washington was born on Aught 15, 1982 to the late Brenda Faye Washington-Burkes and Dewayne Graves in Hot Springs, AR.

Jason's story begins with his mom Brenda and his beloved grandmother Viola, he was spoiled by both and learned early that "Grandma" was his go-to girl. They would build a bond that was unbreakable, unshakeable, reliable, and consistent, regardless of whatever the circumstances he could and would call on "Grandma." He was her go-to guy, her chauffeur, her back-up, but she was his as well. When he gave his last to a friend, who did he call to financially help him, "Grandma." Even after eighteen years of marriage, when he was not feeling well or needed to go to the doctor, who was the driving force behind him taking care of his medical needs, "Grandma."

Those early years also taught him to be responsible, caring and nurturing big brother to Justin(deceased) and Brooklyn. After their mother Brenda's death, they would come to rely on each other with Jason taking his responsibility as big brother with seriousness and love. It also taught him work ethics which he explored through various occupations. Throughout the years his siblings were always at the forefront of many of his decisions. He and Brooklyn shared a very special brother and sister relationship.

On November 21, 2003, Jason married Rebecca Jennings, between dating and marriage their love would last more than eighteen years. Jason's love of shopping for himself spilled over to Becky. Because he loved shoes, he bought her shoes (whether she wanted or needed them), purses, and whatever apparel he purchased for himself he of course bought for Becky. He spoiled her, and she spoiled him. They vacationed and did regular date nights. At the end of many long workdays, they would just cuddle, laugh, and talk about each other's day, life, and goals for a new day. Jason being the fisherman taught her how to fish, but it was Becky over the years who became the better fisherman. They also would become parents of a blended family. His three girls; Andrea, Nakayla, and Marleigh, and her two girls; Mallissia and Beckey. And in later years grandparents of four. They also joined Historic Eureka Missionary Baptist Church together as they elevated their Christian journey.

Not only was family important to Jason but friendship was just as vital. His friends depended on his encouragement, his passion for life, his zeal, his musical abilities (and occasional song/solo from one of his favorite artists), or just his genre of music from his playlist, but what about a day or two of just fishing. Reeling in that big catch equating it to life's most pressing problem at the time. He worried about his friends more often than he worried about himself and his own needs. Frequently neglecting himself for the sake of others. He gave unconditionally to them when he didn't have, he made sure they would be alright. That's the kind of friend Jason was. On May 27, 2022, while at work, with a quickness Jason left this world, he left his mark, he lived, he loved, he died, he did everything he wanted, he gave his all, and it was all that he thought it would be, He was Here…

Jason is preceded in death by his above-mentioned mother Brenda Faye Washington- Burkes, brother Justin Michael Burkes, and aunt Shelia Washington-Sutton

His life and memories will be forever cherished by his wife, Becky Washington of Hot Springs, AR; his father, Dewayne Graves of TX; daughters, Andrea Stevenson, Marleigh Washington, and Nakayla Washington all of Hot Springs, AR; stepdaughters, Mallissia Irwin and Beckey Irwin both of Hot Springs, AR; sister, Brooklyn Burkes (Amber), Hot Springs, AR; grandparents, Joe and Viola Elliott, Hot Springs, AR; aunt, Shari 'Peaches" Arberry, Hot Springs, AR; great uncle, Phillip (Diane)Little of Hot Springs, AR; great aunt, Florence Reed, Norman, AR; mother-in-law, Tammie Kennedy, Hot Springs, AR; sisters in law, April (Scott) Vaughn, and Kristen Jennings both of Hot Springs, AR,  Jenifer (Chris) Ramthun, Magnet Cove, AR; brother in law, Joseph Griffith of Hot Springs, AR; grandchildren, Dior Easley, Brayleigh Irwin, Briell Irwin, and Journey Preston all of Hot Springs, AR; a host of cousins, co-workers, and special friends.

The funeral will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 12 noon with the visitation one hour prior at Historic Eureka Missionary Baptist Church 721 Gaines Ave. Hot Springs, AR, 71901.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

A rrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.