Obituary of Larry Vernard Raiford

REST IN PEACE

Remembering

Larry Vernard Raiford

Vernard was born January 15, 1952 in Portland OR.  He was one of nine children, Bernadine Raiford (Portland); Wendell Raiford (deceased); Norris Raiford (deceased, wife Revena Raiford, Portland); Andre Raiford (Portland), Valerie Robinson (husband James Robinson, Atlanta); Geraldine Powe (Atlanta), George Powe Jr (Portland) and Derrick Powe (Portland).  He was preceded in death by his parents George Powe Sr. and Geraldine Powe. Grandparents Reverend William Fowler (wife Margaret Fowler) and Grandmother Emily Norman.

Vernard went to Irvington Elementary, Grant High School and attended college at Portland State University. He was raised with strong family ties in a tight knit community in the Irvington neighborhood. Through life he was a free spirit, independent, gifted in what he did, headstrong, opinionated, very smart and an avid reader, with a dry sense of humor. It was your choice to accept or not accept him. As a young adult, he worked with youth through YMCA as well as other family businesses, including the Burger Barn. For some of his adult life, he lived in Washington state where he was also able to forge strong relationships and memories with people who will undoubtedly miss him.

Vernard has seven children. Daughter Teressa Raiford (Portland) and her children, daughter Taishona Carpenter, son Terrace White and grandchildren, Terrace White Jr and Tyreece White, daughter Latonya Taylor (Portland), and her children, daughter Aaliyah Taylor, son Demetrius Taylor, son Quaysean Taylor and granddaughter Kaliyah Monteen; daughter Maisha Raiford (Atlanta); daughter Kandy Raiford and her son Marcus Raiford; son Marcus Raiford (Portland) and his wife Aleesha Raiford; daughter Heidi (deceased), son Lyndel Raiford (Tacoma) and his wife Crystal Raiford. He is survived by his 3 brothers, 3 sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. We acknowledge that some of Vernard’s loved ones may not be listed here - we want to extend our deepest love, respect and condolences on the passing of our beloved family member.

 

TO OUR FAMILY

As I think about Vernard and the legacy he left, I can honestly say, ‘he did things his way.’  In life, our choices mold the legacy we will leave. Unfortunately, right choices aren’t always made. Our choices determine our future and they touch the lives of those around us for generations to come. I ask each of you to forgive me and my family’s generation, for not knowing how to show you the emotional love and unity you needed, that may have affected some of the choices you have made for your life. Most of our generation learned to show love by doing. We protected our feelings and self, because we thought it showed weakness.  We guarded ourselves from letting people get too close because of fear and rejection.  Some of our choices have led the generations after us being withdrawn, separated and maybe even feeling unloved.

Please forgive us for our bad past choices. The only thing we can do about the past, is choose to start today by changing the way we individually think.  For your kids and your kid’s, kids; show them the change you want to see happen. Show them love, forgiveness, unity and caring. Show them it’s alright to have emotions, just not to let negative emotions control them. Let them know they are loved and God created them to be a unique individual. It’s alright to be different. Teach them to love themselves, so they can love others.  This can only be done when they know who they are and they understand the spiritual aspects of life. When they know God loves them and He has great plans for their lives; they will live with freedom to make choices that lead to Love and Hope for a better future. 

 

YOU ARE ALL LOVED!

 

I Am Praying For Peace,

Love, Joy, Protection, Healing

And Restoration Of Our

Family

 

Mother, Grandmother, Great

Grandmother, Big Sister, 

Auntie, Cousin and Friend;

  Bernadine

 

May the Blessing of Almighty God; nurture, strengthen, comfort, protect,  inspire and flood you with His Peace, Love and Hope during this present time and forever.  The Lord is your Rock, Deliverer, and Strength.  Abide in His Love, Favor and Enabling Grace.  Believe and Trust Him, He will move you into higher levels of wisdom, understanding and fulfillment; in Jesus Name!

~~~

I thank God that I was able to have an honest relationship with my dad.  He encouraged me to believe in myself.  He was there as I celebrated good times and he always supported me through the hard times.  I may not have had him in my home as a child but having the opportunity to get to know one another was a blessing I can never take for granted.  

Remembering my dad, 

Teressa