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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 8, 2015)
April 8, 2015 Page 13 Obituaries In Loving Memory Willie Thomas Willie Thomas, 82, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2015 at home with family surrounding his bedside. He was born Nov. 7, 1932 in Akron, Ala., and grew up in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He was the second oldest of 15 children. Following high school, he moved to Portland for better em- ployment opportunities. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and following an honorable discharge, worked at the Portland Airport and later for the U. S. Postal Ser- vice, retiring after 29 dedicated years in 1989. In 1957, Willie met the joy and love of his life, Pearl Mitch- ell and they were joined in holy matrimony in 1958. He was a devoted husband of 56 years, a father, grandfather, brother and also a friend to many. He will long be remembered as a warm, kind and caring man with a strong work ethic. Some of the precious memories include “Little Willie” thoroughly enjoying a good game of either dominoes or running a “Boston” while playing Bid Whist at the card table! He is survived by his lov- ing wife, Pearl; their two sons, Willie Thomas and Jerry Thom- as (Jolene); a grandson, Andre; two granddaughters, Jenelle Simpson (Charles) of Las Vegas and Natasha Thomas of Atlan- ta, Ga.; a great-granddaughter, Niyah Brown of Las Vegas; a great-grandson, Avery Thomas; Wilfred Smothers Sr., of Destre- han, La., who was like another son, beloved mother-in-law, Pearl Mashia; the extended Mashia family; the extended Bell family: brothers, Rufus Hicks (Cherrelle), James Hicks (Brenda), Charles In Loving Memory Kevin B. White Kevin B. White was born March 13, 1954, and died April 2, 2015. He was preceded in death by his brother Vas- tine White Jr. (Pete), father Vastine White Sr., mother Mo- zell White, his beautiful wife of 27 years, Barbara Elaine White, and brother Terry Thornton. Survivors include his son Ronald Harris of Portland; three grandsons Martae, Shyheim and Oshae Harris; a granddaughter Lakeisha Harris; a great-granddaughter Layla Harris; a brother Kenneth White of Portland; sisters Cynthia Lambert (Stan Lambert) of Portland, and Pamela Brooks of Dallas, Texas; nephews Rickey White (Shammy White) of Dallas, Robert Lam- bert Jr. (Lopaka), Anthony Austin, and Jerry Prentice of Portland; nieces Vastina Theresa White, Juanita Prentice, Myzell Lambert, and Lakindra Jones White of Portland, Clover and Aris Brooks of Dallas, and a host of other family and friends. Home Going services are scheduled for Wednesday April 8 at 11 a.m. at New Freedom Assembly Church of God in Christ, 936 N.E. Beech St. Grammy award winner and gospel artist Douglas Miller of Akron Ohio will be performing a musical tribute as well as some of Portland’s gospel greats. Those who knew and loved Kevin are welcome to attend. A repast will follow from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N. Tillamook St. Interment will be at River View Cemetery. Hicks, Luke Hicks; sisters, Mary Thomas, Pearlie Hicks, Betty Lou Richardson, Lillie Mae Croom (Henry), Ola Bee Croom (Hillary) and Joyce Ann Hicks; aunt, Sue Lee Moore (Joe). With the excep- tion of Pearlie Hicks, who lives in Detroit, Mich., all of the siblings live in Indianapolis, Ind. Preceding him in death were his mother Nicie Bragg Thomas Hicks and father James Thomas; brothers, Clarence Thomas and Woodie Hicks; and sisters, Bett- sie Mae Washington, and Linda Hicks. He also leaves to cherish his memory a large host of other relatives and friends. A Home Going Celebration will be held on Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3725 N Gantenbe- in Ave. Committal follows at Wil- In Loving Memory Renata Raiford - Rondon Renata Rai- ford-Rondon was born April 15, 1961 in Portland, to Manaway Rai- ford and Marga- ree Harden Rai- ford. On March 27, 2015, God called her home. Celebration services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10, at Corner Stone Church of God In Christ, 2216 N.E. Kill- ingsworth St. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center. lamette National Cemetery. View- ing is scheduled for Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rose City Funeral Home, 5625 N.E. Fremont.
