Ms. Gloria D. Porter, lovingly known as “Gloria D.” or “Aunt Gloria” was the first of five sisters born August 19, 1927, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mary Manning Porter and John D. Porter.

Ms. Gloria D. being one of few words, lived her life as a Christian believer. She was a devoted church member of Hill Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Robert Jones. Family, friends, and those in the community who knew her can attest to her beautiful and resilient walk in the Christian faith.

Ms. Gloria D. was one of the most valuable and beloved members of the John D. and Mary Porter family. Being the first born, she was always readily available to help her parents and sisters. Not having a family of her own, she took on the amazing task of helping her sisters by caring for their children (and children’s children) as they began building their own families and careers. Gloria D. thoroughly enjoyed being around her sisters and their families. She enjoyed watching everyone grow up and was tuned in to the events happening in everyone’s life. She had an exemplary memory and enjoyed reminiscing about the past with her sisters and other Porter family members.

Each of Gloria D.’s sisters and their families loved and cared for her. Over the years, they would provide the things she needed and wanted. They would also take her to places throughout the city of Memphis, such as stores, various appointments, and church. Aunt Gloria also traveled out of town with her family to places like Detroit, MI (family reunion), and Cleveland, OH (her sister Sallie’s funeral). Her sisters, their families, and other Porter family members were very close to Gloria D. throughout her life.

On August 2, 2023, Ms. Gloria D. Porter entered her place of eternal rest. She lived 95 years and was two weeks and three days shy of her 96th birthday.

Preceding her in death were her mother, father, and three sisters: Sallie Porter Powell, Gussie Porter Morrow, and Ruby Lee Porter. Also preceding her in death were her nephews: John D. Porter, Tyrone Daniels, Christopher Stephens, Glenn Calliham, and Dennis Powell; and her nieces: Katrina Hollinger, Sheila Hayslett, and Shelby Galloway.

She leaves to cherish her life: her youngest sister, Shirley “Pie” Porter Blackmon; her nephews, Michael Porter, Dale A. Stephens (Peggy), Levester Calliham Jr., Vincent Calliham, and Derrick Calliham; her nieces: Carita Henderson, Christy Carolina Blackmon, and Tiona Floyd; two close cousins, Melvin Porter, and Leon Porter Jr.; as well as her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 11:00am-11:55am with a funeral service to follow at 12:00noon both will be held at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111

Interment will be in Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134