June 08, 2022
Page 11
Obituary
In Loving Memory
Willis O.
‘Bill’ Allen
Willis O. “Bill” Allen,
died May 24, 2022.
Funeral services will be held
Friday, June 17 at 1 p.m. at
Rose City Cemetery and Fu-
neral Home, 5625 N.E. Fre-
mont St. Viewing is scheduled
for one hour prior to the ser-
vice, beginning at noon.
MICHAEL HAPER
Agent
9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR
503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757
Providing Insurance
and Financial Services
Restoring People to Restore Place
In Loving Memory of
Essie Williams
Essie Williams was born
Oct. 5, 1937 in Canton, Miss. to
the late Ollie Bell Sanders and
Lawrence Lewis.
She moved to Portland at the
age of 7, attending Chapman
Elementary and graduating
from Roosevelt High School.
In 1963, Essie married Rich-
ard Williams and to this union
came three children Alonzo,
Robert, and Makeesha.
In 2003, she retired from Na-
bisco after a long and tenured
career where she was admired
and loved by her coworkers.
Working at Nabisco was espe-
cially a treat for her grandchil-
dren who loved it when she'd
bring home fresh baked cookies.
Essie enjoyed playing cards,
listening to BB King, catch-
ing up on the latest news, and
faithfully watching the Portland
Trail Blazers, cheering them on
win or lose.
She
especially
enjoyed
spending quality time with her
family. Essie spoke enthusiasti-
cally about all of her grandchil-
dren and great-grandchildren,
sharing news about all of their
accomplishments and successes.
She was known for her words
of wisdom which derived from
her reverence in God. Her heart
went into everything she did;
from creating the best turkey &
dressin’ in the family to hosting
family and friends during the
holidays. She was always fash-
ionably dressed and known for
her exquisite taste in suits and
high heels.
In 2017, Essie was diagnosed
with cancer. She battled the
disease with the love and sup-
port of her family. Her daugh-
ter, Makeesha, went to every
doctor’s visit. Although it was
a tough fight, Essie remained
positive, never complained and
had amazing determination.
Her faith carried her far beyond
the doctor’s expectations. God
had the final say.
We will remember Essie for
many things: her loving nature,
her kind heart, and her beautiful
smile. No judgment, no stress,
just warmth and love – and that
was Essie.
Essie leaves to cherish her
memory and forever hold
her in their hearts, her sister
Bernice Robertson; daughter
Makeesha; grandson Mer-
vonce; granddaughters Alexx-
is, La’Princia, Passion’L and
Dawn;
great-grandchildren
Karter, Kolby and James Jr.; as
well as a host of nieces, neph-
ews, relatives and friends. She
was a foster parent to five ad-
ditional children who she loved
dearly, Monica, Bridget, Tony,
Tyrone, and Derrick (who pre-
ceded her in death).
She was preceded in death
by her mother and father, her
husband, and sons Alonzo
and Robert.
Advertise with diversity in
The Portland Observer
Call 503-288-0033 or
email ads@portlandobserver.com
This Juneteenth
Join us as we come together in
CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY
Juneteenth Oregon
June 18th
&
19th
Lillis -A lbina Park
Learn how we are connecting people—of all
education and skill levels—with living wage jobs,
and new careers through mentorship, workforce
development and opportunity.
Portland , OR 97227 ( N . Flint / N . Russell )
www . juneteenthor . com
We want to see
our community
stay safe and
healthy during
the COVID-19
pandemic. Please:
Black
Health
Matters
North by Northeast Community Health Center is the only clinic
in Oregon devoted to African American health. We provide
welcoming, high quality health care to adults who have Oregon
Health Plan. Since 2006, our priority has been to serve the local
African American community and to reduce the deadly effects of
high blood pressure and diabetes. We are accepting new patients,
and if you’re uninsured, we can help you get covered!
To make an appointment or learn
about our services, contact us:
www.nxneclinic.org
(503) 287-4932
714 NE Alberta Street
Portland, Oregon 97211
Protect yourself and
others by getting the
COVID-19 vaccine (and
booster when you are
eligible). Call us at
(503) 287-4932 to
schedule a vaccine
appointment.
Wear a well-fitting mask
over your mouth and
nose, ideally a surgical,
N95 or KN95 mask.