Emerson Brown-Tenorio, "Wa ba me ka", 30, of Tama, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.  A Traditional Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement  in rural Tama with Wayne Pushetonequa as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Wednesday evening, October 21, 2020 at the David Brown residence on the Meskwaki Settlement.

Emerson was born on June 18, 1990 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Lisa Brown and Roy Tenorio.

Emerson enjoyed football. His favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys. He liked basketball and watching his Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bulls. Emerson enjoyed watching WWE and Star Wars. His new favorite character was Baby Yoda. He also enjoyed video games, watching movies, and skateboarding. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include daughters, Patricia Pearl Brown-Tenorio, and Emyra Sage Brown both of Tama; mother, Lisa Brown of Tama; father, Roy Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo, NM; significant other, Tytania George of Tama; step-sons, Tyjerrisen Raphalito and Izik Furcap both of Tama; step-daughters, Josephine and Tia Furcap both of Tama; brother, Lance Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo, NM; sister, Nadia (Loni) Tenorio of Las Vegas, NV; grandmother, Agnes Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo, NM; uncles and aunts, Harlan (Henri) Whitefish, Gia Brown-Bear, David Brown, Marisa Brown, Patrick (Roberta) Whitefish, Russell (Joann) Youngbear, and Kirby (Andrea) Whitefish all of Tama, and Daniel "Yogi", Rosaline, Roberta, Audrey, Lynette, Renee, and David all of NM; adopted mother and father, Ray and Mary (Lasley) Tahahwah of Tama; adopted siblings, Nia Lasley, Eammon, Grace, and Payton Tahahwah all of Tama, and Allis Tahahwah of Nebraska; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Wilson and Patricia Brown; paternal grandfather; uncle, W. Craig Brown; and niece, Dana Brown.