Joy Wade Porter

Joy Maudine Wade Porter, 60, quietly left this life on July 23, 2014 in the pursuit of her life’s work: supporting her family. She was born on July 15, 1954, after 14 false alarms, to Rella and Florence Wade of Rock Hill, SC. Her parents were so happy to finally meet her that they named her Joy, and never was a name more deserved. Joy grew up alongside her older brother and sister in the small rural community of the Catawba Indian Nation. She became immersed in the world early in life as the family traveled all over the country to support her older brother in his collegiate football career. This opened her eyes to the possibilities in life and she set goals for the family she would one day have.

She began that family when she met and later married her life-long sweetheart Kevin P. Porter in the Washington DC LDS Temple and ended up giving him “36-years of absolute joy.” The couple moved to Charlotte, NC where they raise their three children: Joshua, Lauren and KC. Joy spent the rest of her life nurturing and supporting those around her. She was an inspiring mother who encouraged her children to set lofty goals and then taught them what they needed to achieve them. Joy loved her Savior, Jesus Christ and spoke often to family and friends of her faith and trust in him. She dedicated her time to service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and especially enjoyed sharing her talents in organizing social activities for the ward and stake. She also helped with several outreach programs offered by the Catawba Nation.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Patrick Porter; her three children, Joshua (Carly) Porter, Lauren (Cameron) Buchan, and Kevin Christopher “KC” Porter; her mother, Florence Harris Wade; her sister, Frieda Wade Shrake; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Rella Wade; and her brother, Connie S. Wade.

There will be a viewing on Friday, Aug. 1, from 6 to 8pm at the McEwen Funeral Home located at 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Funeral services will held on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 5897 Hemby Road, Weddington, NC. Interment will immediately follow at the LDS Church Catawba Cemetery located at 1989 Reservation Road, Rock Hill, SC. The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who expressed love and offered prayers in their behalf.

Online condolences may be left at McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.