Velma Jean Porte

LTributes oving

My Last Request

Please don’t say that I gave up, just say I gave in Don’t say I lost the battle, for it was God’s war to lose or win.

Please don’t say how good I was, but that I did my best Just say I tried to do what’s right, to give the most I could, not to do less Please don’t give me wings or halos, that’s for God to do I want no more than I deserved, no extras, just my due Please don’t give flowers or talk in harsh tones Don’t be concerned about me now; I’m well in God’s hands alone Don’t talk about what could have been, it’s over and it’s done Just to see to all my family needs, the battle has been won When you draw a picture of me, don’t draw me as a saint I’ve done some good, I’ve done some wrong So use all your paint, not just the bright and light tones.

Use some gray and dark, in fact, don’t put anything down on canvas But to paint me in your heart Don’t just remember good times, but remember some bad For life is full of many things, some happy and some sad But if you must do something then I have one last request Forgive me for the wrong I’ve done and with the love that’s left Thank God for my soul’s resting, thank God for I’ve been blessed Thank God for all who loved me, praise God who loved me best.

Notice of Address Change

Dear Friends and Family, I want you to know that I have moved. I received a call from God, on April 5, 2018, and He informed me that my new home was ready and that I could move in immediately. You know that I have been sending my timber, packing up, and getting ready to go, but there were some final touches, some changes only Jesus Christ could do. Some were a little broad, or not long enough. Well, my new home is ready, and it is such a beautiful sight to behold. It is located in an exclusive estate, and it sits behind the Pearly Gates. Of course, the streets are paved with gold and every day is Sunday. I have lived many places before, but not one can compare. There is peace, joy, and happiness here with no pain, no strife, or discontent. All of my troubles are over, and there is sweet serenity everywhere. I could go on and on about my home, but I have to get fitted for my new robe. I really look forward to seeing you. With all my love.

My New Address is Velma Porter (Big Mama) God’s Town, Heaven 04-05-2018 P.S. I don’t have a phone yet; just call God. If you don’t have His Number, He is listed in the Good Book on every page.

~Acknowledgement ~

What a mighty God we serve to God be the Glory! There is such comfort in knowing that we are not alone. God is with us, and the assurance of His blessings are manifested in the warm and sincere expressions of sympathy shown to us by family and friends. The family is sincerely grateful for the endearing love that has been expressed through your many acts of kindness.

Your prayers, comforting words, cards and other demonstrations of support has been a source of strength and comfort to us. May God continue to bless and keep you.

~Honorary Pallbearers ~

~Active Pallbearers ~

Committal Rites & Interment

Rememberance Reception

Willie Wilson Cedarius Johnson Vernon Gipson Jayden Mitchell Everett Jones Sr. Michael Warren Vernon Van Buren Markenis Moore

Memorial Park Southwoods 5485 Hacks Cross Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Gregory Wallace Jr. Bryant Johnson Everett Jones Jr. Steven Johnson David Wallace Reginald Johnson Jr. Michael Johnson Jr. Jarvier Farmer

Parkway Village Church of Christ 4400 Knight Arnold Rd Memphis, Tennessee 38118

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there; I do not sleep; I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow; I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

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3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~

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Remembering eflections “B ig M omma”

Velma Jean Porter was born October 21, 1941, to the late James Lane II and Velma Katherine Lane.

She departed this life Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Methodist Germantown. She married Henry Whitman Porter who proceeded her in death. Velma was baptized into Christ at 14th Street Church of Christ in West Memphis, AR. She retired from Internal Revenue Service after working 22 years and also retired as Secretary at Parkway Village Church of Christ. Her favorite past times included cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

A Tribute to Momma

In tears, we saw you sinking and watched you fade away.

Our hearts were slowly breaking. We wanted you to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful and free from pain, How could we wish you back, to suffer that again.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but we are not alone; For part of you stays with us though God has called you home.

We love you and will miss you always.

Your Children

CCelebration L elebration of

ife

Saturday, April 14, 2018 1:00 P.M.

Parkway Village Church of Christ 4400 Knight Arnold Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38118

Bro. John DeBerry ~Officiating~

A mother figure to many in the community, especially to friends who were her children classmates or others who were not Memphians, she opened her door and welcomed them. To her blended and extended family, she enjoyed cooking scrumptious meals and had the gift of making you feel “at home.” She lived in the Belt Line area of Orange Mound and was loved, respected and protected by all, young and old.

Processional Selection.....................................................................Bro. Paul McKinney Jr. Call to Worship.....................................................................Bro. James Black Solo.....................................................................................Bro. Robert Davis Prayer..................................................................................Bro. Willie Wilson Scripture Readings:

Old Testament Scripture.......................................Bro. Eddie Gray Jr.

New Testament Scripture.......................................Bro. David Wallace Solo.....................................................................................Bro. Robert Davis

Velma “Big Momma” leaves to mourn her passing five children: Jacqueline (Willie) Wilson, Reginald Johnson Sr., Crystal Jones, Michael (Carolyn) Johnson Sr., Katherine (Vernon) Gipson; one sister: Cassandra Moore; fifteen grandchildren: Gregory (Felisha)Wallace Jr, Everett Jones Jr., David (Jenna) Wallace, Lakesha Johnson, Michael Johnson Jr., Brandon Johnson, Eryka Jones, Candice Johnson, Marco Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Steven Johnson, Rachel Wilson, Alexandria “Snoody” Gipson, Reginald Johnson Jr. and Jasmin Powers; fifteen great grandchildren; two nephews: Ronnie and Rashun Moore three cousins: Martha Ann Bell, Lawrence Robinson, and Sheila Henderson; one sisterin-law: Corrine Dalmas; eight Special Friends: Mattie Bailey, Jan Pierre, Irene Aldridge, Michael Warren, Gertrude Kinnard, Hazel Williams, Fannie Taylor, Michael Warren, Kelly Torry, Greg Jones; and a host of family and friends.

Reflections:

(Respectfully 3 minutes each, Please) Friends/Family/Church Members Tribute....................................................................Bro. Reginald Johnson Sr. Solo.....................................................................................Bro. Robert Davis Reading.............................................................................Bro. Irene Aldridge “Now That I’m Free”

Waiting To Go Home I’ve waited for this moment; I knew it would come.

I thought it would be sooner, but I waited some.

With my heart beating fast and pulse real steady.

I waited to be sure, and I wanted to be ready.

When My Savior called my name. I didn’t want to complain, I waited to be patient to catch that early train.

I packed my bags on Sunday. Joined Jesus on Monday.

So heaven gates opened wide, and I walked inside.

I didn’t carry the pain, and neither had my cane.

Do not cry, do not be sad cause this life isn’t over, this was in God’s plan.

Just visualize me on vacation having the best time I’ve ever had.

I’m resting in the arms of Jesus, and that should make you glad, No more pain, and no more sorrow.

Just waiting on you and that’s your tomorrow.

This is only a shell you see, I’m rejoicing and resting at Jesus’ feet.

So, cheer up my brother, cheer up my sister, because if you live longer, the same one you will meet. So when your life is over, I will be standing at the gates of heaven, with my arms opened wide.

Grandmother

We had a wonderful grandmother, One who never really grew old.

Her smile was made of sunshine And her heart was solid gold.

Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks, fair roses you see.

We had a wonderful grandmother, And that’s the way it will always be.

But take heed, because She’s keeping an eye on all of us; So let’s make sure, She will like what she sees.

Thank you for being a super grandmother.

We will always love you and miss you.

Your Grandchildren

Acknowledgment............................................................Bro. Michael Warren Eulogy...........................................................................Bro. John Deberry Jr. Solo.....................................................................................Bro. Robert Davis Recessional

I Am Free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes, these things I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with the times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full; I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heads and share with me; God wanted me now; He set me free.