Grace Welma Abernathy Porter was born on July 03, 1952, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was the second child of the late Thomas and Theresa Abernathy. Grace was baptized as a child at Ebenezer Baptist Church where she was a lifelong member. Grace worshipped and was a dutiful member of the church choir.
Grace attended I.C. Norcom High School, graduating in 1970. Grace began her career working for the City of Portsmouth as an Intermediate Clerk Typist. Later, she went on to attend Old Dominion University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education in May of 1993. She then began working at The Pines Residential Treatment Center. From there she worked as a Clinician at Behavioral Healthcare, from which she retired.
Grace was joined in matrimony to Ruben S. Porter on February 14, 2001, in Portsmouth, Virginia. They shared twenty-three years of laughter and love and enjoyed zipping around town in Ruben’s Corvette with their specialized plates which read “2Peas”.
Grace is preceded in death by her sister LaVern Theus, and her brothers Harvey and Thomas Abernathy. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory of her devoted husband, Ruben; beloved son Frankie “Jay” Dunn Jr. (Alicia); stepdaughter Monica Martin (Dexter), her son Jordan (Ashley) and their son Asher; stepson Ruben “Ben” Porter Jr. (Nakia) and their children Leana, Amara and Xolani; her sister Christine Abernathy; her brother Micheal (Karen); as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
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Gretchen Johnson says
September 27, 2024 at 2:28 pmMy condolences to the family 🙏 Sending healing and prayers 🙏 from the Johnson family 💟🙏 Love
Linnea Palmer says
September 30, 2024 at 10:31 pmMy deepest sympathy to the family and friends during this time. May all her memories and joy be remembered by her family and friends. I will keep you
all in my prayers. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Lamarr Price says
September 27, 2024 at 4:53 pmMy condolences to Rueben and Jay along with the rest of the family. Cousin Grace was such a joy to be around and her smile and laugh was so contagious. She will be missed, but she will also be remembered for her special gifts.
LANKFORD Blair says
September 27, 2024 at 8:29 pmThe members of Opportunity House and staff of the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Health extend their condolences and prayers to the family. We want you to know how sorry we are for you loss. Grace was a beautiful person, a great co-worker and was loved by everyone.
Rita Williamson-Bell says
September 29, 2024 at 8:54 pmMy condolences to Reuben, Jay and other family members. Grace always had an upbeat spirit and beautiful smile that will be missed forever. She leaves a legacy of love that I will always carry in my heart for her. She was special.
Cousin Rita Williamson-Bell
Ingrid Abernathy says
September 30, 2024 at 1:21 pmDearest Sister-n-law
You will be truly missed and never forgotten. Thank you for the professional advice concerning Jamal over the years as it was very helpful in navigating his condition & in working with the group home system. I am thankful for our very lengthy conversation earlier this month as I didn’t know it would be our last and that our last words were “I love you, and I love you too.” Give my hubby a BIG HUG for me and tell him I love & miss him, and may you now Rest in Eternal Peace.
Sharon Williams Clark Stephenson says
September 30, 2024 at 4:17 pmHey Jay
This is Sharon (from The Williams Family of Howard Park) my Prays are with you and your family. The last time I saw you was Bay Boy Funeral; at the time Irene passed I was sick. How I remember your beautiful mother, Gracie her smile was a glow of sunshine. She loved her Jay. She would allow my Sister and I to take you Trick or Treating, Sims candy store. You were a Baby. My plan is to see you tomorrow. Take Care and always remember the Williams family from Howard Park has you in their Prays.
Sharon Washington says
September 30, 2024 at 6:36 pmGrace, your vibrant and upbeat personality was infectious. It’s been a blessing to have known you throughout our employment with the Portsmouth Behavioral Healthcare Services. Rest in peace.
Pamela Bennett says
September 30, 2024 at 9:05 pmGrace, See you on that great morning when we all get to Heaven my forever sister-in-love. You fought a good fight and kept faith. I praise and thank God for allowing our paths to cross. Jay, Ruben, Mamie & Michael, you have my sincere condolences. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you during this difficult time. With Love, Pam
Cleopatra Riddick says
October 1, 2024 at 9:57 amSo sorry for your loss. May God bless your family in this difficult time. Be blessed.
Cornelia Shead says
October 2, 2024 at 3:05 pmRuban and Jay. Words can not give justice to how I feel for you right now as you bear the burden of Grace passing. She was a beloved mom to you Jay and a loving wife to you Ruban and a just a great friend to me. Know that the impact of our friendship will never be forgotten. I will miss her dearly. Please extend my condolences to the rest of the family. Much love to you all.