Mary Louise Porter

Mary Louise Porter is celebrating in heaven with Jesus today! On this earth she was an inspiration and a constant encourager to her family, her friends, and her church family. Her faith was not just part of her life it was who she was, and her actions and words were always pointing others to depend on God as she spent her life modeling.

Mary’s family was always her top priority and she was tireless in her care of them and expression of love for them. She served in many roles throughout life but none was so cherished as that of “Mother” and “Granny”. Mary was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and after retirement spent countless hours with them sharing life and teaching the life lessons that makes them who they are today. Her legacy lives on in those she leaves behind, may we always honor her in how we live our lives.

Mary was a faithful pastor’s wife of 30 years at Whiting Avenue Baptist Church where she was an integral part of building the church family, teaching Sunday School, leading women’s meetings, helping with the Metrolina Baptist Pastor’s wives association, WMU and many other activities. She was a 30 year member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church served as Sunday School teacher, class Treasurer for the “Love Class”, was a dedicated supporter of the quilting ministry, was a leader in the ministry at Dove’s Nest for women in distress, and constantly sent cards to encourage others.

Mary Louise was born November 29, 1927 in Charlotte, NC. Mary is survived by three daughters, Ann Porter Fam (Nabil), Linda Jean Porter and Peggy Louise Porter; four granddaughters, Katie Fam Roscoe (John), Carrie Elizabeth Fam, Lindsey Erin Long, Emily Nicole Long; one grandson, Ryan Daniel Long; and one great-grandson, Jack Timothy Roscoe. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Amy Garmon (Jeff), who was very special to her. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry A. Lawing and mother, Louise Lawing Fincher, as well as her beloved sister, Betty Lawing Hattaway, and three brothers, Leonard, Herman and Calvin Lawing. She also had a half-brother and sister, Banks and Lucille, also deceased.

The family wants to say a special thanks to her Sunday School class and to the Revs. Henry Ward and Arnold Kessler, who were so faithful. Hospice was an amazing, compassionate group of caregivers who helped the family at every step. She also had a wonderful caregiver, Frances Brown, that was an angel sent from God to help our family. The family would like to request that any remembrances made in memory of our Mama be made to Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549. Mama was always faithful in filling shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse in the fall and any shoeboxes submitted in her honor would help continue support for a ministry she held dear.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, with the Reverend Henry Ward officiating. Entombment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.