Antoine Jose Paige was born on July 14th, 1967 to Judith Paige and Andrew Mickens. Antoine, affectionately known as “Bird”, departed this life after 54 years on August 29th, 2021.

 

Antoine was baptized on July 14th, 1968 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In July, Antoine rededicated his life back to Christ at Michigan Park Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

 

Antoine attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Shaw Jr. High School and Dunbar Senior High School, where he graduated in 1985. Antoine was very intelligent and received a high achievement award in math from the Higher Achievement Program while in high school. Not only was he high achieving academically, “Bird” loved playing basketball, softball and baseball. In 1984, he pitched a five-hitter and led Dunbar to a 5-1 victory over Ballou in their first game. His athletic ability ultimately earned him a scholarship to play baseball for Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Antoine’s love for children led him to be employed with the Potomac School of McLean, YMCA and later, DC Public Schools, as a bus driver. Returning to his other passion for home improvement, he continued his education at the University of the District of Columbia, where he received his HVAC certification in 2014. He then worked as a Maintenance Technician with Edmondson and Gallagher Group.

 

Antoine always had a love for painting and fixing things. As a child he worked alongside his father and his uncles with M&K Home Improvement. This passion carried on into his adulthood where he became a jack of all trades. “Bird” was known for his superb painting skills, carpentry, and making nothing out of something.

 

Antoine loved family more than anything. He had a special bond with whoever he came into contact with, but the relationship with his cousins and friends was extra special from childhood. He had a sense of humor that could make everyone laugh, from the youngest in the room to the oldest. Regardless of the circumstances, you could count on Antoine to make a joke and lighten the mood. Antoine was always there when you needed him, big or small. He made sure to spend whatever time he had with his grandchildren. Affectionately called “Pop Pop” and “Uncle Antoine”, he enjoyed watching and having fun with the kids. He was also a lover of dogs. He may not have had rhythm, but he loved to dance.

 

Antoine leaves to cherish his memory, kind-heart and loving ways: his parents: Judith Paige and Andrew Mickens (Jeanette); one sister, Darnetta Paige; four daughters: Shuanique Clark, Tiara Paige, Andrea Johnson and Lakia Johnson; eight grandchildren: Daron Clark, Xavion Clark, Milan Geddie, DeAndre Jamison Jr., Keliyah Mclean, Kevin Johnson, Makenzii Johnson and Ray Johnson; long-time companion, Susan Springer; two nieces: Dana Paige and Dajah Paige; one nephew, Darius Minor; three aunts: Jacqueline Hendricks (Edward), Audrey Brown (Jon) and Patricia Paige; three uncles: Charlie Roy Mickens (Lillian), Kelvin “KB” Mickens (Maria), and Wallace Lovie, and a host of other family and friends.