John L. Smith, Friend To Others, Dies at 59
John L. Smith was born on March 16, 1946 in Shreveport, La., to Willie Smith and Ella Robinson-Smith, who preceded him in death. He died on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
He confessed to Christ at an early age. In 1995, he rededicated his life to Christ and joined the Mount Gillard Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Rev. Hampton Calloway.
John spread his humor all the way from the Catneats Grocery Store in Shreveport — where he worked for 31 years — to Portland. He worked for Loaves & Fishes in the Hollywood District, where he lived and volunteered his services with a helping hand and with joy that he bestowed on others until his death.
John enjoyed helping others. He didn't have much, yet he had it all because his heart was bigger than any obstacle on this earth.
He would always lend a helping hand and work most of the time without pay. He also worked with grace and a smile. John was well-loved by everyone he knew, and he returned that love to everyone he encountered.
John is survived by his lifetime companion, Dawn Hall; daughters Evelyn Jones, Ella Mae Jones and Tammy Smith, all of Shreveport, La.; a son, John L. Jones, of Shreveport, La.; sisters Florine Robinson, of Portland, and Linda Graves, of Gresham; brothers R.L. Smith, of Shreveport, La. and Lem Smith, of Kansas City, Kan.; a niece, Linda Gail Robinson of Gresham; and several other nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, two great-grandnieces, one great-grandnephew and a host of relatives and friends.
Irma Jean Collins' Long Odyssey Ends
Irma Jean Collins was born to J.D. and Queen Esther Collins on April 13, 1926.
She grew up in Montecello, Ark., where she lived until 1941. Irma Jean then moved to Sacramento, Calif. with the family for which she worked as a child care provider.
In 1943 she movedto Vanport, Ore. to live with her uncle and aunt, the Rev. B.T. and Gracie Carey, and their children.She marriedFrenchie Edwards in 1951.
IrmaJean loved children, and although she had none of her own, she helped to rear many. She was affectionately called "Mama Jean" by the children she nurtured and cared for.
She worked as a nanny for years. She was also a housekeeper and lab technician at the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, where she worked until her health caused early retirement.
Realizing the importance of education, she earned her high school equivalency diploma in 1963.
Her love of the Lord led her to join Morningstar Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of the late Rev.Slyvester McCullum. She later joined New Hope Baptist Church,where she remained until her death.
She loved Sunday school and was an active participant in the church's mission and usher department. She served as hospitality clerk, greeting all who attended services at New Hope Baptist for several years.
Irma Jean suffered a stroke in 2003 and was a resident at the Marquis Nursing Facility for three years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Frenchie and her auntGracie Carey.
She leaves to mourn a brother-in-law, Chester Edwards,of Portland; cousins Pearline Darn, of San Francisco, Calif., J.P and Margaret Trotter, ofPortland, Joyce Jones, of Richmond, Calif., Sue Carey, ofPortland, HenryTrotter (Fran), of Tigard, Joe (Marie)Trotter,of Portland, Hazel Blanton, of Portland, and Amanda (Lee)Flemming,of Portland; and a host of relatives and friends.
Elijah 'Lil' E' Mandley: 1990-2006
Elijah James Mandley—a.k.a. "Stompy"and "Lil' E" — was born on June 29, 1990, in Portland, to Isaiah Mandley and Natalie Houston.
Elijah accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 14. Elijah was a happy person who was full of life and loved to make people laugh. He was creative and talented and an aspiring lyricist who wrote several songs.
Elijah was also a thoughtful, kind and loving person who brought happiness with him wherever he went. "Stompy" loved to show affection and greeted people often with a hug and kiss.
Even though his life was short, those who knew him know the love he left lives forever. His infectious laugh, smile and joyous spirit will be greatly missed.
Elijah left behind his father, Isaiah Mandley Sr.; his mother, Natalie Houston; brothers Isaiah Mandley Jr., Malachi Mandley,Michael Mandley, Rodney MandleyandAntonio Mandley;stepsisters SharnellGilland Demetria Gill; grandmothers Dorothy Bryant and Elnora Houston; aunts Kristina Howard, Joyce Blacknall, Kathy Pennington, Maria Richards, Precious Houston and Deborah Thomas; his uncles; cousins; and lots of friends.
Obituaries
Evelyn Anderson
Portland resident Evelyn Carmelita Anderson died Feb. 25. She was 92.
Born Evelyn Carmelita Murphy in Browning, Mont., she moved to Portland in 1950. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Gene Anderson, whom she married in 1956.
Other survivors include a daughter, Carma Hoyt; and a son, Don Brown.
Funeral was Feb. 28 at Ross Hollywood Chapel.
Joe Parks
Portland resident Joe E. Parks died Feb. 24. He was 58.
Born on July 13, 1947, in Muskogee, Okla., he moved to Portland in 1965.
He is survived by his brothers, William Parks and Clifford Parks, both of Portland; and by a niece, Salina O.Parks,of Portland.
Funeral was March 1 at Ross Hollywood Chapel. Contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
