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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2019)
April 24, 2019 Page 15 Obituary In Loving Memory Roderick Darnell Brown Sr. Theotis “Uncle Theo” Cason of Cason’s Fine Meats is moving his family-owned, first-generation company to the Alberta Commons retail block on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Alberta Street. For more than 40 years. Cason has provided flavorful and fresh, all-natural products to the community. Setting Up Shop C ontinued froM P age 9 through five different storefronts over its lifetime. Champions Bar- bershop is a community barber- shop that offers a haven where people can experience grooming from highly skilled professionals who are passionate about their craft and understand the legacy it holds. GreenHAUS gallery is an art gallery and boutique with arti- san-crafted goods and gifts, along- side industrial salvage and vintage goods. Not only are these business owners successful, they all under- stand the role they play in lifting up other members of their com- munity and inspiring them to rec- ognize and pursue their dreams. Uncle Theo Cason mentors youth in the community, training and developing them as future butchers. Jamaal Lane and his wife, Christina Lane, opened the Champions Barbering Institute with a mission to serve as mentors to the community, teaching them about professionalism, customer service, cultivating relationships and hard work. Cason and Jamaal Lane both grew up in northeast Portland. Cole and Dayna Reed actively promote women, and arti- sans and business owners of color at their gallery. Roderick Darnell Brown Sr., better known as Darnell or simply D by those who loved and ad- mired him, quietly slipped away to join his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2019. He was born on Nov. 25, 1960 in Los Angeles to the union of Richard Brown and Cora Mae Taylor. He was the second oldest of four children. In 1961, the fami- ly moved to Portland, where he at- tended Jefferson High School and graduated in 1979. Darnell was known for his ex- travagant car collection and he was unashamed to be seen driving said collection 25 mph on the freeway and what felt like 5 mph up and down the street. Darnell enjoyed four wheeling, skating and being around those who loved him. You could easily find him at a family gathering laughing and smiling. In his spare time, he loved watching old westerns and documentaries to gain more insight on the world and further his curiosity. Darnell had many talents. In his youth he was known for his abili- ty to play football. He had a great ear for music and took pride in his ability to identify the melody of a song. He served as a bass player for many local funk, jazz and R&B bands. Many were unaware that Darnell was a skilled nail technician with a steady hand and an aptitude for beautiful designs. He loved to BBQ. It did not matter if it was snowing he would BBQ because that is where he was able to bond with his children and grandchildren. To know Darnell was to love him. He was truly one in a million and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his son Rod- erick Darnell Brown Jr.; his fa- ther; and a brother, Richard Craig Brown. He leaves to celebrate his memory and life two daughters, Amber Marie Walker and Shar- nell La’Trice Brown; son Roderick Darnell Brown III; his mother; two brothers, Reyburn L. Brown and Reginald A. Brown (Ulanda); two sisters, Sharron Brown and Angeli- que Moreland; cousin, Wonsetta U. Grant; grandchildren, Ja’iyr (Jai), Rylie, Amiya and Ja’haryi; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, neph- ews and friends. Advertise with diversity in The $5.00 TEES CLUBS Portland Observer BUSINESS GUIDE FAMILY REUNIONS SCHOOL CLUBS Call 503-288-0033 BUSINESSES SCREEN PRINTING ads@portlandobserver.com 971-570-8214 971-276-8674 Strictly Braid’s Shawntyl Braid Specialist Showntyl.vance4456 @gmail.com 5010 NE 9th (971) 336-8641 Cut, trim, edge, power washing, hauling, leaf removal, cleanup, anything! FREE ESTIMATES FAIR PRICING
