Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 20, 2022)
July 20, 2022 Page 11 In Loving Memory Wendell Brown Sr. Wendell Erskin Brown Sr., 81, peacefully passed on May 29, 2022. Wendell was born Nov. 12, 1940 in Luther, Okla. to Bennie Brown Sr. and Layola Dumas. In 1942 they came to Portland with two-year-old baby Wendell where he lived his whole life. He attend- ed and graduated from Washing- ton High School where he played the trumpet in the marching band and school band. Wendell married Thelma Unthank and had three daughters, Marsha, Lisa and Wen- di, and later married Mary B. Kel- ly and had a son, Wendell Brown Jr. and a stepson Tony Holman. Wendell worked at the Benson Hotel in the early 1960s as the head Maitre D in the renowned London Grill Restaurant. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Wendell owned and ran a very popular night club/ supper club, The Upstairs Lounge with two other partners, Allen Dobbins and James Britt. He went on to run a construction business and other small business ventures, and eventually went into the car salesman business at Coliseum Ford and later Ron Tonkin where he retired. Wendell loved all sports, (es- pecially football and the Raid- ers). He loved music, dancing and having a good time with the kids and grandkids! Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary B., ex-wife Thelma, sis- ter Velva Jean Glen, brothers Sherman Brown Sr. and Leneld Brown, and cousins Raymond Barber, Sandra Dumas and Pa- tricia Dumas. Wendell’s life and memo- ries will be remembered by all; including his children Marsha Jordan (Herbert), Lisa Brown, Wendi Brown, Wendell Brown Jr., and Anthony Holman (step- son); brother Bennie Brown Jr.; sister Bennie Mae Berryman; cousins, Joyce Brown (John) Barbra Dumas, and Rita Lef- tridge; grandchildren Andre Un- thank, Jamartae Brown, Kendell, Josiah, Mahogany, Makai, Ma- ria, Ziana and Anya; and nieces and nephews Shalaunda, Marc, Traci, Sherman Jr., Steve, Stan, Jennifer, and Kelly Barber. We are Open! 3901 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland, OR 97227 P: 503.281.0453 Fax 503.281.3408 Web: www.sunlanlighting.com E-mail: kay@sunlanlighting.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.
