~Obituary ~
Porter Washington, Jr. was born on November 4, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. The son of the late Porter Washington, Sr. and Mattie Pearl Washington Brown. On Tuesday morning, November 8, 2016, Porter wrote the final chapter of his life, softly closed the book and went to his eternal home.
Porter accepted Christ as his personal Saviour at an early age. He worked for many years at the Aeolian Corporation manufacturing pianos.
Porter grew up and was raised in the Orange Mound Community and attended Melrose High School. He was very outgoing and never met a stranger.
Porter served in the United States Marine Corp attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He served in Vietnam and received several commendations; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with 3 Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal Meritorious Unit Citation, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm & Frame.
He was preceded in death by his brothers; Andrew Washington and Raymond Washington.
He leaves to cherish his memory, three brothers; Alfonzo Washington, Alonzo Brown (Brenda) and Ozia Brown (Naomi), two sisters-in-law, Marie Washington and Carol Jean Washington, aunt, Jessie Mae Jordan, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
When I Must Leave You
by Helen Steiner Rice
When I must leave you
For a little while-
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,
But start out bravely
With a gallant smile;
And for my sake
And for my name
Live on and do
All things the same,
Feed not your lonliness
On empty days, But fill each waking hour
In useful ways, Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near; And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 • 11:30 A.M.
Harrison’s
Memorial Chapel, Inc.
3320 Millbranch Rd. • Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Reverend Francis Ssebikindu ~Officiating~
Processional
Scriptures Reading
Old Testament..............................................................Pastor Rickey Scott New Change Church
New Testament...................................................Pastor Ralph Andrews Sr. Praise and Worship Word Ministry
Prayer................................................................................Minister Amelia Johnson Harris Memorial CME Church
Solo............................................................................................Ms. Vernesia Moore
Expressions
2 minutes please Family, Friends & Neighbors
Solo.............................................................................................Ms. Paula Bartlett
Life Reflection
Read Silently - Soft Music
Words of Comfort.....................................................................Pastor Brian Bartlett Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Acknowledgements..........................................................Ms. Stephenie Washington
Solo............................................................................................Ms. Vernesia Moore
Eulogy.........................................................................Reverend Francis Ssebikindu Senior Pastor, Living Waters Community Church
Recessional
The Broken Chain
-By Ron Tranmer ---
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly ,in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Your Brothers
God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place
Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best He knew you were suffering,
he knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never get well on Earth again
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Love, Your Nieces & Nephews
~Acknowledgement
The family of Porter Washington would like to take the opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for your prayers, phone calls and love that were extended during this most difficult time. Continue to keep us lifted in prayer. God Bless!
~Interment & Committal Rites ~ Tuesday, November 15, 2016 • 1:15 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125
