LaTawnya J. Whitney

LaTawnya June Whitney passed away April 1, 2019 at the age of 38, surrounded by her mother and close family at her longtime home in North Portland.

She has a brother Patrick L. Whitney, sister Kimberly Whitney, Grandmothers Lois Grace, Mary Rouse, Alice Austin, close family Renee Rouse Osterwalder, Ronald Rouse, Jeremy Baum, Brown Sisters, Thomas Brown, Thomas B. Jr., Sharlene, grandfather Samuel Whitney Jr., aunts Silva, Cynthia, uncle Julian, Frank Grace, Debbie Williams, Steven, Celeste, Cassie, Alisia, Pauline, Steven, Johny, Cynese, Leanna, Tashema, Ceella, Marquita, Lois and many many more…

Tawnya (Brownie) was born in Portland, Oregon to Tracey Bernard and Samuel Whitney III. She worked a few jobs here and there due to her disability, which didn’t stop her from doing what she wanted. Her nickname Brownie came from Dr’s Nurses who said she was the prettiest brown baby that they had ever seen. They even demanded she represent Emanuel Hospitals brochure that gets published quarterly. They wanted a photo of a child (cute child) and Tawnya got it. I took her down town, she sat next to the waterfall and snap she was published!

Tawnya as well as her mother suffer from epilepsy. Tawnya since age of 3 months and continued until her calling. Tawnya’s disability never stopped her from laughing, smiling and having fun just like any other child. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1999. As her health issues continued Tawnya started making jewelry at dialysis, which her mom started helping her sell.  She had great skills. June bug another nickname from grandma Alice given to Tawnya.

LaTawnya received all her wishes peacefully before her calling. Her favorite meal from Grandma Lois, her favorite song, thank you mom. Her favorite cousin holding her hand, thank you Kitty.

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