Lesley Diane Unthank was born in Portland, Oregon on June 19, 1942, to parents Dr. DeNorval Unthank and Thelma Raimey Shipman. Lesley was the youngest of five children and is survived by her brother Thomas Unthank. She was preceded in death by DeNorval Unthank Jr., James Unthank, Thelma Unthank Brown.
Lesley was a graduate of Grant High School and Marylhurst College. Lesley practiced her passion for her community by contributing to the development and nurturing of Portland’s youth and adults. Lesley’s career included 32 years of various roles at Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Urban League, & she also was able to reach the community in her role as a licensed social worker for Portland Public Schools.
Lesley was a dedicated member of the Portland Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority where she held various leadership offices and loved recruiting college students to be a part of the Portland chapter of the sorority.
Lesley’s hobbies were playing the violin, listening to classical music, arts and crafts, painting, quilting, and volunteering in the community. Lesley was very passionate and involved in studying and recording the Black history of Portland and researching and recording Unthank family history as well.
We will remember Lesley as a community leader, teacher, comedian, historian, and a little fancy lady who loved dining out at Portland’s restaurants. Lesley loved people and people loved her. She was full of wisdom, advice, motivational words that impacted many lives.
Lesley will be missed in the community and would tell everyone to continue to do great work and be positive.
