Heywood Thrash

Heywood Nathaniel Thrash was the youngest of three children born to Hezekiah Thrash and Clara Bell Sellers-Thrash on March 8, 1956, in Birmingham Alabama. At 5 years old Heywood and his mother relocated to Brooklyn, NY. Upon their arrival to Brooklyn; Heywood and his mother Clara Bell found a church home and family at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn. One Sunday evening in the year of 1968; Heywood announced his confession of faith and was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

At 16 years old, Heywood graduated from Wingate High School in Brooklyn. On August 22, 1979, Heywood entered the United States Army. He embarked on a career to become a Combat Medic. His military education includes EMT training, Medical NCO, Leadership Development and Medical Specialist training. Over the course of 16 years; Heywood was stationed at West Point (NY), Fort Stewart and Fort Benning (GA) and Fort Sam Houston (TX). He did 3 tours in Germany in which he learned fluent German. He was also deployed to Iraq in 1990 during the "Desert Storm" era. His final assignment was in Fort Meade, Maryland.

Heywood was introduced to Joanne Alleyne by her sister Renee during their high school days. They began an everlasting friendship and married on June 1, 1986. During their 37 years of marriage; they were blessed with two children: Jazzmine and Najee Thrash. After separation of the military he began a career with the Department of Veterans Affair as a Medical Health Specialist and worked in the Emergency Room at the downtown Veterans Hospital In Baltimore City. His final place of employment was at the Outpatient VA Clinic in Glen Burnie MD where he retired in Dec. 2020. Heywood was well loved by many and could build a relationship with a perfect stranger. He loved working for the VA because it allowed him to help fellow soldiers. His hobbies were watching sports (football, basketball). His most memorable past time was playing his album collection (loudly) in his "Man Cave".

Heywood preceded in death by his parents Hezekiah and Clara Bell-Thrash, Sisters In laws: Jennette Thrash, Renee Garber, Niece: Carlina Dawkins and Nephew: Andre Thrash. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife: Joanne, Children: Jazzmine, Najee, Brother: Charles Thrash, Sister: Dolly Dawkins, Nieces: Yolanda Scroggins, Reece Dawkins, Tammy Thrash, Vanessa Thrash and a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews and friends.