Terry Porter, 62, passed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 in Fayetteville, GA.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Columbus, GA. with Pastor David Dawson, officiating. Public viewing is 10:00 a.m. EST till 11:00 a.m. EST on the day of service.
Ms. Terry Lashawn Porter was born on May 19, 1963, to Alberta Dennies and Eddie Austin in Columbus, Georgia. Terry received her High School Diploma at Columbus High School. She furthered her education by obtaining both a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Masters’ Degree from Central Michigan University.
From childhood to adulthood, she always worked hard and fought for what she believed in. Anyone lucky enough to be close to her could always feel her love. Compassionate, genuine, and caring are just a few of the characteristics that describe this loving person. Terry was a deeply sweet and kind soul, whose warmth touched people from the moment they met her. Her loving spirit and gentle nature will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her (Sonya Lee). Terry accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of sixteen and was a long-time and highly active member of Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.
Terry was a proud board member of her neighborhood’s Homeowner Association, Jonesboro Meadows. In her spare time, she loved working out in the yard. She was not only a gardener; she also carefully and diligently landscaped her yard. She also enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She enjoyed family vacations and just her day-to-day and weekend activities with her family. She worked as a Central Office Administrator for Clayton County Public Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, serving for thirty years. She happily retired in May of 2020.
Ms. Terry Lashawn Porter departed this life on December 31, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Austin; her grandson, Rion Oakley Levy; her maternal great-grandmother, Iola Dennies; and her great-great-grandmother, Ada Lee Brown.
Terry is survived by three children, LaKeisha Nicole Porter, Damitrius Martrale Thomas, and Alexis Denise Porter; three Grandsons, Jayden Gregory Thomas, Carter Porter Thomas, and Stephen Nicholas Wilson; Mother, Alberta Dennies; Brother, Toney Dennies; four Sisters, MackNeal Hurston (Donnie Deceased), Linda (David) Mahaffey, Rosalind Green, and Sonya Lee; and a host of nieces and nephews.
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My prayers are with the Porter family, and I extend my deepest condolences. Terry was a kind person and will be deeply missed. We worked together in Clayton County for 10 years, and I am so thankful that our paths crossed. She was more than a coworker—she was like my sister.
God saw what you needed; His plans are not always ours. You have truly left your footprints on my heart, and I will miss you immensely. Rest in peace, my friend.
My prayers are with the Porter family, and I extend my deepest condolences. Terry was a kind person and will be deeply missed. We worked together in Clayton County for 10 years, and I am so thankful that our paths crossed. She was more than a coworker she was like my sister.
God saw what you needed; His plans are not always ours. You have truly left your footprints on my heart, and I will miss you immensely. Rest in peace, my friend. Kimberly Lee-Lovett
My prayers are with the Porter family, and I extend my deepest condolences. Terry was a kind person and will be deeply missed. We worked together in Clayton County for 12 years, and I am so thankful that our paths crossed. She was more than a coworker she was like my sister.
God saw what you needed; His plans are not always ours. You have truly left your footprints on my heart, and I will miss you immensely. Rest in peace, my friend.
Kimberly Lee-Lovett
To Terry's family, I pray that the sweet memories of Her voice and her smile will give you peace. Terry was a joy to be around and she had the sweetest spirit. God has truly reclaimed his angel back. Prayer & Blessings
Our many Prayers and Love to Terry Porter and entire Family (FAMILY neighbors forever) deeply saddened. May you gain strength and comfort cherishing all memories. PAT BOHANNON, PATRICK,MARILYN,MIKE & LUMPKIN FAMILY.
My prayers and condolences are with Terry's family during this difficult time. I worked with Terry at CCPS for over 15 years prior to her retirement. She was always an absolute pleasure to work with. She will be remembered by me as one of the most professional and ethical co workers I've had the pleasure of working with and yet still always maintaining such a sweet and beautiful personality. My prayers and thoughts will continue to be with the family during this difficult time.
Terri oh the times we had a Columbus High and in the neighborhood. When did we even grow up and move on with our lives?! May you rest in eternal peace and I pray that your family has the strength to keep going. I love you girl! Bless mama Dennie's and Toney and grant them a peace that surpasses all understanding. We are as ALWAYS Columbus High!
My dearest sweet, strong sister Terry, I'm lost without you by my side. I could have never imagined this day would come that we would have to say goodbye on earth but I find comfort in knowing, to be absent from the body is to be present with the God. The purpose God had for you on earth sister has been fulfilled so he called you home to rest. So rest my sister until that day my purpose is fulfilled on earth and we shall meet again. Loving you forever and in my heart that's where every precious memory will stay. "Your Baby brother Toney"♥️
Rest Well Our Beautiful Terry, Those long hot summer breaks from school allowed You, Velina, Rock, Me the opportunity to enjoy our best life...we were fortunate to grow up together and enjoy the innocence of life🦋. To my surprise - It was just a few years ago in which I discovered You & I are actually "blood" cousins. I was so excited to confirm that our childhood bond was strong for all the good reasons. I will forever cherish those hot summer breaks from school and enjoying the annual "May Day" celebrations with family & friends. We are so blessed and highly FAVORED. Now I'm saddened that this chapter has ended and your beautiful smile & spirit will be missed💐. No worries because Rock, V. & I will keep those memories alive my Dear! Your Crown of Life is waiting for You My Beautiful (inside/out) Cousin💐🙏🦋🙏💐 With Love, Teresa❤️
My Deepest Condolences for Dennis and Porter Families 🙏🏾 Terri a beautiful child and woman over the years. I admired her for being a quiet person and being family orientated. She was a Good Child, Sister and sweet lady. I am truly hurt of knowing her as a neighbor for 55 years. I am Praying for the family and especially for her children.... Looking to God to carry us in this difficult time because God is our Father and knows what is Best. Rest in Peace Terri we will always love you❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾
Terry, Terry, Terry😢 Sweet lovable and fun. We sang and laugh together throughout her earlier years. I remember that she made me laugh so much, I had to lock her out of my office. Memories are so valuable to me. Sleep and I am so glad that we had our season🙏🏾❤️💕😘
My deepest condolences to the Dennis/Porter Families on your loss. Terry was an amazing classmate at CHS. Rest in Paradise my friend 🙏🏾😘💜
My condolences to her family and friends. Sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to the family. Terry and I worked together at CCPS. We would spend our entire lunch talking about the character Ralph Angel in Queen Sugar. She would often joke that she needed a "Hollywood" in her life which is another character on the show. Terry was a wonderful person and I'm truly glad that our paths crossed.
I will forever cherish the memories that we had together. Rest my dear friend. ❤️
Terry, words cannot fully express the pain of losing you. You were more than family, you were our friend, support, and a beautiful light in our lives. Your love, kindness, and gentle spirit will live on in our hearts forever. You are no longer by our sides, but find comfort knowing that you are at peace and watching over us. We will cherish every memory we shared and carry your love with us always. rest peacefully, dear sister. You will forever be loved and deeply missed. Love, your family
Condolences from the Willis Family during this difficult period of time. Prayers and Comfort be with You.
My condolences to Family Terry she was my Treasure when I was the President of Hoa . She was a very nice person. She will Be missed very much.
My condolences to the family of Terry. She was my neighbor for 17 years and I will truly miss her. Rest in peace Terry! 🙏🏽
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.