Louise Portor

Louise Porter was born December 24, 1918, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, to Mr. Collins Joins and Hattie Little-Joins. She grew up on her parents' farm as the oldest daughter with ten siblings. She was a member of Deep Creek Baptist Church. Upon graduating from Anson High School, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she joined in fellowship at St. Timothy Baptist Church. 

On May 29, 1949, Louise Porter became a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church, where she worshipped for 76 years. She was faithful and very active as a church member in various organizations, including The Nurses Guild and The Ladies Guild. She was a Trustee Wife and a beloved Sunday School Teacher. In June of 2004, Sister Porter was honored with a plaque for her 35 years of service as a Sunday School Teacher. She married Trustee Theodore R. Porter on New Year's Eve 1966, and they were happily married until his death in 2005. 

Together they lovingly lived life to the fullest, participating in church activities, traveling throughout the country for vacations, and visiting with family and friends. They enjoyed returning every year to North Carolina to spend time at their second home on the property where she grew up. She flew there solo on her last vacation as recently as September of last year. 

Sister Porter was a humanitarian who truly loved people. She was outgoing, and she was always there to help a person in need. Known affectionately as "Nana", she was very focused on her immediate and extended family, and she played a major role in raising her younger siblings, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a powerful influence in the lives of countless young people she came in contact with over the years. She was also an excellent cook who loved to host dinners for holidays and other occasions. Her peach cobblers, sweet potato pies, and dinner rolls were legendary. 

Sister Porter has expressed a special thank you, "To my very devoted caregiver, Brenda Hillmon, whom I loved very much; Love to my special niece, Tonia Jones, who always asked, "Auntie, what do you need?" And to my godchildren, Marlon and Kim Wiley, I love you always." 

She leaves to mourn her daughter, Lucille Joins; her sister, Annie M. Wall-Prince; seven grandchildren, Cedric Joins (Spouse Lisa), Alexander Porter (Spouse Mae), Brian Brooks, Pamela Wilson (Spouse Damon), Desmond Brooks (Courtney), Scott Norris (Spouse Naomi), Ashley Rushton; nineteen great- grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

"Only What You Do For Christ Will Last"

A public viewing will be held on August 14, 2025, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 15, 2025, at 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at Mt Hermon Baptist Church, 2516 E 40th St, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts, memories, and pictures on Louise's tribute wall. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Louise, please click here to visit our sympathy store.