Thelma Shrum Porter

The family will greet friends on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 2-6pm at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel located at 10500 Park Road in Charlotte.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held in the Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11am with the Reverend Ron Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Chapel Gathering Room.

Born July 19, 1925 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thelma was the fourth of nine children of Gustus Falls Shrum and Choyce Martin Shrum. In 1942 she graduated from Thomasboro High School and moved to the Sharon community where she met the love of her life, Horace (Toot) Porter. Their relationship deepened through their membership at Sharon Presbyterian Church and their devoted exchange of letters while he served in World War II. He preceded her in death in 2004 after 57 years of marriage. She was a member of the Church for over 80 years.

Thelma began her working career upon graduation, took some time off to raise her children, and then returned to the workforce. She retired from Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union in 1992.

Thelma is survived by her children, Horace G. (Griggy) and Ruth Porter, Wanda and Marc Towler, and Kathy and Ken Rice; grandchildren, Carrie Porter Boyd and Stephen, Bryan Porter and Sarah O’Neill, Brock Towler and Kristina Watson, Alix Towler and Sophia Glass, Lindsey Rice Starnes and Jonathan, and Justin and Megan Rice; and great grandchildren, Audrey Boyd, Carter Boyd, Miles Towler, Abel Towler, Mackenzie Starnes, and Clara Rice.

She is also survived by her sister Dot Williams and brother Ray Shrum and wife Lee; sister-in-laws Elsie Shrum and Doris Porter Crocker and husband Fred; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by sisters Margaret Helms and Christine Smith and brothers Claude, Lloyd, Weldon, and Russell Shrum.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Porter’s neighbors Mary Gwynn and Karen Kaufman, Susan Cline of Sharon Presbyterian Church, and all those who have helped care for her, especially the staff and contractors at Wellmore of Tega Cay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210; VIA Hospice Fort Mill, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247; or a charity of your choice.