Thursday, July 21, 2016:
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
Visitation from 11a.m. 1p.m.
Friday, July 22, 2016:
Wayman AME Church
Visitation beginning at 10a.m.
Homegoing Service will begin at 11a.m.
Chicago, Illinois – Portia Adele Smith, 36, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Thursday, July 14, 2016. She was born in Racine on February 1, 1980, the daughter of Pamela Smith and Arlander Graham. Portia came to faith as a teenager. She attended school in Racine, received her GED in Illinois and went on to advance her education and skills by attending Gateway Technical College in accounting; and esthetics at the AVEDA Institute, and the G Skin & Beauty Institute.
Portia moved to Chicago IL in 2011 to work in the hospitality and promotions industry. She was a talented and well-known server and professional. Portia was creative, enjoyed fashions and costume design, and loved the travel and training opportunities that were afforded to her through her career. She was a loving mother to her daughter Naomi, and was most happy when the two of them were together. Her second love and passion was connecting and networking with her friends in Racine and Chicago.
Portia is survived by her beloved daughter, Naomi Lewis of Racine; her mother, Pamela Smith of Racine; aunts and uncles Zennetta Harvey of Racine, Valencia Harvey of Washington D.C., Thomas (Donna) Harvey of Dallas, Texas, and Dave Minor of Ripon; cousins Jonathan Smith, Dathan (Maryori) Edwards, Aaron (Jennifer) Minor, Ellis (Emilee) Minor, Isaac Minor, Kaela Harvey and Tyler Harvey; grandfather Edward Willis; godmothers Carol Bostick and Victoria Price; and many other Cotton Family relatives and friends. Portia was preceded in death by her father, Arlander Alexander Graham of East St. Louis, IL; grandmother, Flora Willis; uncles Michael L. Smith and Zenda Harvey Jr; and aunt Janet Minor.
Homegoing celebration services will be held at the Wayman AME Church (424 Memorial Drive) at 11 a.m. on Friday July 22, 2016 with Reverend Ernest J. N’iA officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday the 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and then again in the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Helen Lowery says
My prayers & condolences go out to the family!
Yushika Finley says
Pam I send you and your family my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melinda Hadley says
Pam, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss..know that prayers are being released on behalf of you and your family…Melinda Hadley
Darchell Jewel Rauter (Albritton) says
Pam I am so sorry.. Portia was like a sister and you were like another mom to me. Please reach out to me for anything. My prayers are with you.
cherllyn Pfarr says
My dear friend,Pam, you have my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss of precious Portia….continually lifting you up to the throne room.
Gina Green-Harris says
Dear Pam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this journey. As you trust God– rest in his peace. May you find a sense of comfort in the memories you will always carry in your heart. God Bless you.
Gina
Sandra Martin-Haynes says
O God, you created us, and you know us better than we know ourselves, and more than anyone on this earth loves us. Resting in that truth, I know that it’s easier to turn our lives over to you. I trust you for redirection. When we’re bent out of shape,we know you will be the one to straighten us out again. And if things ever get so bad that you need to humble us and remold us, even then we place ourselves in your hands. For what you create by your hands is always more magnificent that what we can design ourselves. Thank you, Lord as we lift up in prayer this family. We know that with your special Love we can endure any and all circumstances. Love from your favorite cuzzin San and family.
Cyndi Williams says
My sincere condolences Pam. May the Lord Jesus Christ envelope you with strength and comfort.
Amy Williamson says
Dear Pam – I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear Portia. May you find support in your family, loved ones and faith during this difficult time. And may your memories and eternal love give you comfort. My heart and prayers are with you – Amy
Patricia Bigby says
In our present world of sorrow of heartache and despair never feel alone or forsaken. When your life’s path is rough and rocky and seems more than you can bear.There’s a blessed friend to guide you. You can overcome life’s trails and your many troubles bear. For you have a faithful helper- God is always there. Love you, Pat (Peggy).
Christina Brax says
Portia had the most joyous spirit and could make you smile on the darkest of days. My prayers go out to her family and all of the lives she touched.
Melissa milczarski says
May you rest in peace Hun.. You were such a great person. Prayers and hugs to your family…
Karrie Taylor says
I am so very sorry for your loss, Pam! You and your family are in my prayers. Jesus fill Pam with your peace, help her to remember that you are her refuge and you know her grief. Thank you, Lord that are with her.
Carol Barnes-Bryant says
With deepest sympathy on your lose. Your family in DC sends their prayers and know that we are with you all on this sad day.