Portland observer., August 07, 2024, Page 11, Image 11

August 7, 2024
Page 11
Obituary for Wayne “Money Bags” Lewis
Wayne Lewis, affectionately known
as "Money Bags," peacefully gained his
wings on July 27, 2024, at the age of
73. Born on May 14, 1951, in Portland,
Oregon, to Elsie Clay and Arthur Carter,
Wayne led a life filled with love, ded-
ication, and service to his community
and faith.
Growing up in Portland, Wayne at-
tended Boise and Irvington Elementary
Schools before graduating from Grant
High School. His academic journey ex-
tended to the Prima Institute, where he
completed his first year of studies in
Theology, deepening his faith and com-
mitment to the Lord. On July 13, 2003,
Wayne was baptized at Jubilee Taberna-
cle Full Gospel Pentecostal Church. He
became an ordained Deacon, Elder, and
Licensed Minister, touching many lives
with his spiritual leadership, guidance,
and inspiration.
Wayne's passions were many. He had a
deep love for dogs, classic cowboy movies,
and crime TV shows. An avid sports enthu-
siast, he also loved fishing and had a partic-
ular fondness for classic Cadillacs. Early in
life, Wayne became an entrepreneur, own-
ing and operating his own clothing store.
Later, he dedicated 20 years to serving as a
youth counselor for Janus Youth Programs
Inc., where he was known for his kindness,
strong work ethic, and unwavering faith.
Wayne was also a hardworking scrapper,
spending his spare time and weekends col-
lecting metal and was blessed with the gift
of gab like no other.
As a dedicated youth counselor at Ja-
nus Youth Programs, Wayne served as
the overnight staff at Cordero, where
he became a beloved figure. His role
required him to be a beacon of safety
and support during the most challenging
hours of the night. Wayne's high stan-
dards and hope for each youth made him
a positive role model, inspiring those
around him with his thoughtfulness and
commitment to the community. His faith
and inherent goodness were evident in
every interaction, making Cordero a
place of healing and transformation.
Wayne's presence was a source of
comfort and inspiration to many. His
friend remarked on Wayne's phenome-
nal ability to touch lives, whether in the
streets or the church, and described their
friendship as one built on mutual respect
and support—"one hand washes the oth-
er, and one favor washes another."
Wayne's family was his pride and joy.
A devoted father and grandfather, he al-
ways put his family first, creating a leg-
acy of love and compassion. His warm
presence and infectious smile will be
deeply missed by all who knew him.
Wayne was preceded in death by his
parents Elsie Clay and Arthur Carter,
life partner Marilyn Monroe, brothers
Kenneth Lewis, Charles Carter, Ed-
ward Carter, and sister Charlotte Bran-
don. He is survived by his siblings,
Ronald Carter, Myra Faye Lewis, Eliz-
abethLewis, and Brenda Lewis, Bever-
ly Carter, Kenneth Carter, Fred Carter,
Arthur Carter. His children, Dwayne
Lewis, LaTosha Lewis, Wayne Lewis
Jr., Kieshawn Lewis, LaNisha Lew-
is, Jermaine Lewis, and Akia Lewis,
daughter-in-law Tiffany Lewis along
with numerous grandchildren, niec-
es, nephews, and friends, will forever
cherish his memory.
A Homegoing Celebration will be
held on August 17, 2024, at Maranatha
Church at 1030am in Portland, Oregon.
Family and friends are invited to hon-
or and remember Wayne's remarkable
journey. May he rest in peace, and may
his memory be a blessing to all who
knew him.
PLANNING TO VISIT
MULTNOMAH FALLS?
The Historic Highway
west of the falls will be
closed October 2024 to
Memorial Day 2025 for
restoration work.
Use I-84 and Exit 31 to access Multnomah Falls or try
something new and leave the driving to RideCATbus.org
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