Richard Howard, Father, Musician, Poet, Dies at 74
Portland resident Richard Howard passed away at age 74.
Born on Dec. 24, 1931, in Pine Bluff, Ark., Howard was the sixth child of James and Elmirity Howard. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to southern California, where he worked in his parents' store, Howard's Grocery.
He grew into a generous and adventurous young man. Richard enjoyed riding motorcycles, performing stunts and managing an R&B band called "The Band." He loved music, writing poetry, dancing, horses and entertaining friends.
Richard was known in Santa Monica, Calif. for cooking the best burgers at the A&W Root Beer stand where he was the manager. He was also known for his barbeque ribs and his outgoing personality. In 1978, Richard completed building a boat called The Mariah, which he set sail on its maiden voyage to Oregon.
It was important to Richard to instill a work ethic and family values in his children, whom he loved very much. He was a friend to all, maintaining an "open heart, open door" policy, especially to children in need. He was a man who would give his last, even when he didn't have it.
He enjoyed watching Westerns, fixing cars and playing dominoes — he was the domino champion.
Richard attended church at both the Portland Miracle Revival on North Williams Avenue and Ainsworth Christian Community Church.
Preceding him in death were his mother and father, James and Bertha Howard; a sister, Willie Wilson; brothers James Howard, J.C. Howard and Giles Fletcher; and a son, Richard Howard Jr.
Richard leaves to mourn his wife, Jacklynn Howard; children Gladys Nadreau (husband Louis), Cherese Carney, Richard J. Howard, Shanisse Ballou (husband Terence) and Antonio Howard; grand-children Serena Watson, Kishawna Carney, Antonio Carney, Keturah Carney, Antoine Carney and Jesse Ballou; sisters Hazel Addley, Jewel Petty and Helen Fletcher; a brother, Oscar Howard (wife Mary Ann); and a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Services were held on May 20. Arrangements were by Cox & Cox Funeral Chapel.
Portland's Deborah Anne Bradley, Jeweler, Passes Away at 51
Deborah Anne Bradley was born on Aug. 19, 1954, in Portland, to Gene and Olivia Bradley. She attended Faubion Elementary School and graduated from John Adams High School.
Deborah had a sweet, pleasant and friendly personality and was loved throughout the community. Her hobbies were making candles, handcrafted jewelry and being around people.
She had two children whom she adored. They were the highlight of her life. She was a mother who not only supported them, but was there for them no matter what.
Deborah was a daughter who was loved dearly by her mother, whom she called every day — for she adored her mother in turn. As a sister, she was not only there to talk to, but she was the glue that held the family together.
Deborah and her companion, Shelly Fisher, had been together for 14 years. They had an amazing bond that consisted of laughter, friendship and love. They did everything together.
Preceding her in death were her father, Gene Bradley; a brother, Darryl Bradley; and a sister, Cheryl Bradley.
She leaves to mourn two children, Demenica Booker and Demarcus Bradley; her mother, Olivia Bradley; a sister, Viveca Bradley; a brother, Bobby Gates; her companion, Shelly Fisher; five grandchildren; and a host of aunts,uncles,nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Services were held May 18. Arrangements were by Cox & Cox Funeral Chapel.
