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Etta Jenelle Brown

March 17, 1942 — July 20, 2024

Portland

Etta Jenelle Brown was the middle child born to Grayson & Ellon Warren on March 17, 1942 in Paducah, Kentucky. She attended Benjamin Harrison Elementary, Muessel Jr. High & Graduated early in 1959 from Central High School in South Bend Indiana. She enjoyed Varsity Cheerleading, Glee Club, Booster club, and Math. Her specialties included Math, English & Language with Honors. She went on to attend Kentucky State where she met and later married Lt. Col James H. Manly. Together they created daughter Ellon Manly and lived on the Airforce base in Selma Alabama. He was transferred to Portland OR and although they soon divorced, Jenelle remained and planted roots in Portland OR. She then met her husband and love of her life Thomas J. Brown and had a son, Jeffery Warren Brown. Along with their son came bonus children whom were welcomed with open arms, Dennis Sr. (deceased), Cynthia Harris, Mary Tompkins, Shirleen and twins Anita & Benita. Tom & Jenelle were married for 35 wonderful years before his demise in 1995. 

During this marriage Jenelle went on to finish her educational goals, earning her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Univ. Of Portland in ’90 and her Masters in Teaching Health Education in ’93 from Portland State Univ. 

Jenelle worked many jobs in Oregon some include Bank Teller with First Interstate Bank, Sales clerk with Multnomah Dog Races, Nursing at OHSU and Emanuel Hospitals, Nurse with CODA, Nursing with Rocky Butte Women’s Facility, and Head Nurse with Portland Public Schools until her retirement.

 Jenelle deeply loved family, friends and even some associates, Special Groups including Eastern Stars, Church Usher Board, Bowling Leagues, Les Femes, AKA Sorority, Red Hatters, and the Golden Girls Club. She especially loved family gatherings and family vacations. Each moment was special to her. 

She is preceded in death by: Her Parents, Husband, Thomas J. Brown, Great-Grandson Stephen Johnson, Grandson Dennis “Buck” Brown Jr., Son Dennis Brown Sr, Sister Christine Johnson and brother in law Alton Johnson, Several Aunts, Uncles & Cousins.

 Leaves to Cherish her memory: Her Children, Ellon Manly, Jeffery Warren Brown, Bonus Children, Shirleen Newman, Anita Smith (Derek Smith), Benita Presley, Ladell Vance, Cynthia Harris, Mary Tompkins & Gaynell Spigner. Brothers: Grayson Warren Jr. & L. Michael Warren. 

Grandchildren: Eric Sr,. Rhonda, Angelette (Marcus), Chelsi (Stephen), Sierra, Alyssea, Semir, Alexis, Arianna (Malcom), Ester, Andre, Isaiah, Darius, Daniel, Trent, Ahmad (Maria), Jamal, Diamond, Rhonda, Amber, Michelle & Johnnell, Liz (Benjamin) including 42 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grands. Brittany Davis Goddaughter, surrogate children Alicia Smith (AKA Lala) husband Norman Smith, and Cynthia Johnson. A host of friends and many god children. 

The family of Etta Jenelle Brown would like to acknowledge her best friends, the GOLDEN GIRLS! Your consistency in making yourself available to our mother is very much appreciated. The phone calls, texts, in person visits, and constant encouragement to eat and most of all your everlasting love will always hold a special place in our hearts.

 We Love her Most and May She Be At Rest.

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Etta Jenelle Brown Memorial Programs
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, August 1, 2024

10:00am - 4:00 pm (Pacific time)

Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home

5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213

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Visitation

Friday, August 2, 2024

9:00 - 10:00 am (Pacific time)

Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home

5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213

Viewing window prior to funeral service for those who cannot make it on Thursday.

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Funeral Service

Friday, August 2, 2024

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Pacific time)

Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home

5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213

Please join family and friends as they say goodbye to Etta Jenelle Brown.

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Interment

Friday, August 2, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Rose City Cemetery and Funeral Home

5625 NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97213

Interment will directly follow the funeral service. All are welcome to join.

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