Wendell Valanté Coxeff

Wendell Valanté Coxeff was born to Sharon Marie Thomas and Walter Wendell Coxeff on December 5, 1978, in Portland, Oregon. He peacefully transitioned in his sleep on December 10, 2024, as he was called home. Valanté loved his mother and grandmother, Marie Thomas, very much. A cherished memory his mother holds dear is of him as a young man, thoughtfully planning dinner and movie dates to spend quality time with her. He held both his mother and grandmother to the highest esteem. His grandmother adored him dearly and would always say “that’s my baby,” whenever there was a conversation held about him. Being her first grandchild he was very close to her heart. As the oldest sibling, Valanté nurtured his younger brothers, Rodrick and Walteron Coxeff. He was their defender, confidant, role model, and motivator, encouraging them to strive for greatness in everything they put their minds to. He made sure they were never left out. He supported the family in every way he could, working two jobs to help his mother, while going to school and pursuing his dream.

During his childhood, Valanté went to several elementary schools as his family relocated between Portland and Houston before eventually returning home. He excelled at Beaumont Middle School, participating in the Talented and Gifted program where he developed a love for media arts. After graduating from Jefferson High School, he returned to Houston to pursue higher education at Texas Southern University, where he lived with his uncle, Ricky Coxeff. After completing a semester studying journalism, Valanté returned to Portland to further his education at Portland Community College and Portland State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Criminal Justice.

Valanté was a pillar in his community, leaving a lasting, positive impact on everyone he met. He was dedicated to leading with integrity, respect, and compassion. He began his career in social work at the House of Umoja, where he influenced and mentored young men. From there, he went on to work at Cascadia Behavioral Health and Project Respond, providing critical support to those in crisis. He ultimately devoted more than a decade of service to Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability & Veteran Services, offering unwavering assistance to those in need. His career was a testament to his commitment to serving others.

Valanté took immense pride in being a family man, especially as a father to his children: his firstborn son Valanté Jai Coxeff; daughter Athena Marie-Beth Coxeff; and stepsons Tyrell, Akili, and Jelani. He cherished his wife, Nneka Coxeff, and the two loved traveling together. Valanté found joy in taking road trips with his family, attending his boys’ football games to cheer them on, and riding bikes with his daughter. As an uncle, he encouraged his nephew, Kaden Elijah Coxeff, and his son, Jai, to get off the couch, stop watching TV, and head to the park to run hills. While Jai may have suspected what was coming, Kaden was completely in the dark. By the end of their run, Kaden was grateful he’d gone along.

Though his transition was peaceful and unexpected, it was determined to be due to natural causes. Although he is no longer with us in body, Valanté’s light, love, and legacy will forever guide and inspire us, as we hold his memory close to our hearts.

Valante was proceeded in death by his: (Grandparents) Sherman Terry Thomas, Walter Coxeff, and Callie Coxeff; (Uncles) Sherman Terry Thomas II, Melvin Baker, Dannie Baker, and Tony Baker; (Aunts) Big Carolyn Coxeff, Sherry Lynn Coxeff, and Rita Coxeff; and (Godbrother) MacFabian Branch.

He leaves to Cherish: (Wife) Nneka Coxeff, (Son) Valanté Jai Coxeff, (Daughter) Athena Marie-Beth Coxeff, (Stepsons) Tyrell Hall, Akili and Jelani Kamau, (Mother) Sharon M. Thomas, (Father) Walter W. Coxeff, (Grandmother) Marie Thomas, (Brother) Rodrick C. Coxeff and his partner Teneil Foote, (Brother) Walteron E. Coxeff, (Nephew) Kaden E. Coxeff, (Godparents) Fabian & Linda Branch, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and close friends he considered brothers.

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