Terrise Washington was born in Georgia, on June 15, 1956. He was a man you didn’t just meet — you experienced. Faithful to God, family, friends, and community, he was the kind of person who always showed up when someone needed him, usually carrying tools, wisdom, humor, and a story to share. 

Terrise was the son of Mary L. (Washington) Buck and Willie James Washington, and was deeply influenced by his stepfather, Edward Buck Sr. Collectively, their examples helped shape him into a loyal, hardworking, and dependable man so many came to know and love. He graduated from Milford Mill High School, Class of 1976.

Terrise was a devoted father whose greatest pride was his children. He shared a lasting bond with the mother of his children and longtime companion Adrienne Baldwin. He remained a steady and loving presence within their extended family. An auto mechanic by trade, Terrise was truly a “jack of all trades” — mechanic, handyman, counselor, teacher, and problem solver. If something was broken, Terrise believed it could be fixed. Known for his quick wit and ability to somehow “get into trouble and get right back out of it with a smile.” He brought laughter and light wherever he went.

Throughout Baltimore, Terrise was respected as a neighborhood pillar, a trusted friend, and someone people could always count on. He was an active member of the Mid-Govans Community Association, where his voice, leadership, and willingness to serve left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Terrise also loved deep conversations and spirited debates, often diving into discussions about government, religion, race, and life’s many mysteries. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always left the conversation entertained, challenged, and smiling. If he was checking on you, you could expect your phone to ring repeatedly until you finally answered — like a loving spam caller who simply wanted to make sure you were okay. That persistence was just another way he showed how deeply he cared for the people in his life.

In recent years, Terrise deepened his relationship with God and became increasingly devoted to his faith. His spiritual growth brought him peace, wisdom, and renewed purpose, which could be seen in the compassion and patience he extended to others. His faithful spirit was especially evident in the loving care he provided to his beloved aunts; Alice Morgan-Brown, Elease Morgan, and Lois Morgan, serving them with dignity, selflessness, and unwavering devotion. 

He was one of a kind; loyal, humorous, intelligent, dependable, and unforgettable. And if heaven has a repair shop, a debate table, or somebody in need of a helping hand, there is no doubt Terrise has already made himself useful.

Terrise leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved children: his two sons, Daniel and Samuel Washington, and his daughter, Mary Washington. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Washington, and his stepsister, Julia “Lydia” Rook. He is survived by his loving siblings, Edward Buck Jr. and Trezeline Washington.

Terrise also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Stephanie Washington and Keenya Buck; one brother-in-law, Lloyd “Deno” Washington; five bonus children, Temprest Baldwin, William Smith, Michael Baldwin, Telina Baldwin, and Morgan Baldwin, who preceded him in death; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him. 

Though Terrise has laid down his tools, the love, laughter, wisdom, and care he poured into others will continue to hold strong for generations to come.