Carlos Weekly

Dr. Carlos Lavor Weekly, D.M.D. was born on July 19,1948 to Willie C. Weekly and Mary Thomas Weekly, in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon. He passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, with his wife, Deborah Carson Weekly by his side and under the loving care of his daughters; Kellie Weekly Strong, Corrie McCree Weekly, Mercedes McCree Weekly, Julianna Anuma, and fervent prayers of family and friends everywhere.

Carlos described his life as one of God's miracles and his childhood as the ultimate fun experience, especially riding his bicycle between home and his grandparents on weekends and for entire summers, and picking fruits and vegetables with farm workers to earn school money.

Carlos was a deeply religious man. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and attended Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church with his parents and grandparents. After moving to Arizona, he, his late wife, Dr. Edna McCree- Weekly, their children and grandchildren served and still serve as faithful members of the First Pentecostal Church (FPC) of Phoenix, AZ, Bishop David Eddings, Sr., Pastor.

Carlos was a proud Veteran and quick to point out the miracle of his service in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam War era. Though not called upon to fight in the war, he bravely sailed the Eastern seas on behalf of the United States, but with an extraordinary fear of water, the inability to swim and a stocky, 6'4" tall body on a ship built for much shorter, smaller men. Nevertheless, he served his country enthusiastically and was honorably discharged, receiving a National Defense Service Medal.

Carlos was always eager to share the details of how the educational challenges he faced shaped him as a man of God and prepared him for success in his career. Neither his parents nor his grandparents could read or write, but that did not prevent them from working hard to give greater opportunities to their family. In those days, schools and teachers were quick to judge a student's lifetime potential based on background, race, financial standing, poor test scores, and classifications such as dyslexia.

Carlos was not one to be defined by the low expectations of others. In 1966 he graduated from Washington High School and, after his Naval service, worked hard to develop the study and testing skills necessary to graduate in June 1973 with a B.S. in Education from Portland State University.

After seeing a flyer and receiving encouragement from a friend in the program, he decided to pursue dentistry, facing challenges learning advanced concepts and clinical practices. He listened to his professors, friends, tutors and mentors, took copious notes, and studied so hard and for so long he broke the binding of his textbooks by turning the pages so often. Even an attempted exclusion from the program due to racial bias could not derail him. A friend stood up for him and the system stood down, clearing the path for his graduation from Oregon Health Science University in June1980 with his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree, after which he passed his National Board Dental Examination.

His goal of becoming successful in his field was realized when (again) with the encouragement of his friend and fellow classmate, he uprooted his growing family and moved to Mesa, Arizona, joining a small crew of struggling young dentists charged with establishing dental practices within penal institutions throughout Arizona. Dr. Weekly, affectionately referred to as "Doc" retired from his pioneering role with the Arizona Department of Corrections in 2022 after 40 years of service.

Dr. Carlos Weekly was preceded in death by his esteemed wife of 34 years, Dr. Edna McCree-Weekly; his mother, Mary Weekly; father, Willie C Weekly; brother, Willie Weekly, Jr.; and his sister, Evelyn Weekly.

Carlos cherished his entire family and made time to spend with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and adult family members. He leaves to rejoice in his memories: his devoted wife of 13 years, Deborah Carson Weekly; his four daughters: Kellie Weekly Strong, Corrie McCree Weekly, Mercedes McCree Weekly and Juliannah Anuma (Brian); 9 grandchildren, 2 stepchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, his brother, Wade Weekly and brother-in-law Charles Adams (Evelyn); and their children, his nieces and nephews. Carlos's move to Arizona spurred the migration of others from the extended Weekly and McCree families, resulting in beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews who also settled in the Phoenix area.

And then there is his work family - the team of dedicated dental health professionals he employed, worked with or mentored throughout the Valley; colleagues and patients whose lives he touched, and his "crew." That small but powerful group of dental staff and dentists he started with, that showed up in whatever way needed throughout his life and career; and from all over the world in whatever way possible to pay tribute at the end. He often said of his crew, "Without God, my family and my crew, there may not have been a Dr. Carlos Weekly."

Interment for Dr. Carlos Weekly will be at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, where his brother Willie Jr. was laid to rest. This majestic property is across the road from Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place of his parents, grandparents, and other non-veteran family members.

The family acknowledges and appreciates every act of kindness, sympathy and love expressed during this time. In lieu of a formal funeral service, flowers etc., Dr. Weekly requested consideration of a donation to the American Cancer Society.