Wendell Erskin Brown Sr.

 Wendell Erskin Brown Sr. at 81 years of age peacefully passed on May 29th, 2022. Wendell was born on November 12th, 1940 in Luther, Oklahoma of Bennie Brown Sr. and Layola Dumas. In 1942 they came to Portland, Oregon with two-year-old baby Wendell where he lived his whole life. He attended and graduated from Washington High school where he played the trumpet in the marching band and band. Wendell married Thelma Unthank and had three daughters- Marsha, Lisa and Wendi and later married Mary B. Kelly and had a son Wendell Brown Jr. and a stepson Tony Holman and daughter Traci Smith.

Wendell worked at the Benson Hotel in the early 1960’s as the head Maitre D’ in the renowned London Grill Restaurant. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, 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, (especially football and the Raiders), he loved music, dancing and having a good time, kids and grandkids!   

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents Layola and Bennie Brown Sr., his wife Mary B. Brown, ex-wife Thelma Brown, sister Velva Jean Glen, Brothers Sherman Brown Sr. and Leneld Brown, cousins Raymond Barber, Sandra Dumas, and Patricia Dumas.

Wendell’s life, and memories and will be remembered by all... his children Marsha Jordan (Herbert), Lisa Brown, Wendi Brown, Wendell Brown Jr., Anthony Holman (step son) brother Bennie Brown Jr, sister Bennie Mae Berryman, cousins- Joyce Brown (John), Barbra Dumas, Rita Leftridge Ron Kelley. Grandchildren Andre Unthank, Jamartae Brown, Kendell, Josiah, Mahogany, Makai, Maria, Ziana, Anaya, Nieces and nephews Shalaunda, Marc, Traci, Sherman Jr, Stephen, Stanton, Jennifer, Michael and Kelly Barber

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