Wayne Lewis, affectionately known as "Money Bags," peacefully gained his wings on July 27, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on May 14, 1951, in Portland, Oregon, to Elsie Clay and Arthur Carter, Wayne led a life filled with love, dedication, and service to his community and faith.
Growing up in Portland, Wayne attended Boise and Irvington Elementary Schools before graduating from Grant High School. His academic journey extended to the Prima Institute, where he completed his first year of studies in Theology, deepening his faith and commitment to the Lord. On July 13, 2003, Wayne was baptized at Jubilee Tabernacle Full Gospel Pentecostal Church. He became an ordained Deacon, Elder, and Licensed Minister, touching many lives with his spiritual leadership, guidance, and inspiration.
Wayne's passions were many. He had a deep love for dogs, classic cowboy movies, and crime TV shows. An avid sports enthusiast, he also loved fishing and had a particular fondness for classic Cadillacs. Early in life, Wayne became an entrepreneur, owning and operating his own clothing store. Later, he dedicated 20 years to serving as a youth counselor for Janus Youth Programs Inc., where he was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and unwavering faith. Wayne was also a hardworking scrapper, spending his spare time and weekends collecting metal and was blessed with the gift of gab like no other.
As a dedicated youth counselor at Janus Youth Programs, Wayne served as the overnight staff at Cordero, where he became a beloved figure. His role required him to be a beacon of safety and support during the most challenging hours of the night. Wayne's high standards and hope for each youth made him a positive role model, inspiring those around him with his thoughtfulness and commitment to the community. His faith and inherent goodness were evident in every interaction, making Cordero a place of healing and transformation.
Wayne's presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to many. His friend remarked on Wayne's phenomenal ability to touch lives, whether in the streets or the church, and described their friendship as one built on mutual respect and support—"one hand washes the other, and one favor washes another."
Wayne's family was his pride and joy. A devoted father and grandfather, he always put his family first, creating a legacy of love and compassion. His warm presence and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Elsie Clay and Arthur Carter, life partner Marilyn Monroe, brothers Kenneth Lewis, Charles Carter, Edward Carter, and sister Charlotte Brandon. He is survived by his siblings, Ronald Carter, Myra Faye Lewis, ElizabethLewis, and Brenda Lewis, Beverly Carter, Kenneth Carter, Fred Carter, Arthur Carter. His children, Dwayne Lewis, LaTosha Lewis, Wayne Lewis Jr., Kieshawn Lewis, LaNisha Lewis, Jermaine Lewis, and Akia Lewis, daughter-in-law Tiffany Lewis along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, will forever cherish his memory.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on August 17, 2024, at Maranatha Church at 1030am in Portland, Oregon. Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Wayne's remarkable journey. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.