Imogene W. Porter
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Imogene Wood Porter, the youngest of seven children, born to the late Stewart and Fannie Broady Wood was called home on March 6, 2009. She transitioned to her heavenly home oh so patiently and peacefully.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Dandrich and Edward Wilson Wood and sisters, Beatrice Wood, Celestine Wood Childress, and Genevieve Wood Butler. She is survived by her eldest sister, Lucy Ann Wood Hughes, of Ft. Washington, Maryland.
Affectionately known to family and friends as "Emma", she tried valiantly to prepare and comfort the family both emotionally and spiritually, for this day. Emma was completely devoted to her family. This was so typical of Emma because she always put the needs of others first. She always held to the belief that, "When I've done the best I can, then my Lord will carry me home". As her body and strength began to weaken, her spirit grew stronger and she declared, "I'm going home". Even though her time was imminent, it was hard for us to let her go. However, once the connection was made, we said, "Praise the Lord, she's on her way home".
Imogene, a country girl at heart, was born in Yancey Mills, Virginia ("Freetown"). She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Piedmont Baptist Church in Albemarle County, Virginia and founded by her late grandfather. She received her elementary and high school education in the Albemarle School System in Virginia. In 1949, Imogene was joined in matrimony to the late Lawrence Allen Porter (also born in Albemarle County, Virginia). They shared over 36 years of marriage and to this union was born three children, Don, David, and Lorraine. Imogene later converted to Catholicism and joined the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in 1952. The family relocated to Aston, Pennsylvania, where Emma resided for the last forty years.
Imogene was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years at Sacred Heart General Hospital and became a mentor and surrogate mom to many of the new graduate nurses who began training in the Intensive Care Unit. Upon her retirement in 1983, she took exceptional care of her husband until his death in 1985. Always ready and willing to lend a hand, she became a foster grandmother for a period of time. She particularly enjoyed playing pinochle, bingo and socializing with her contemporaries at the Senior Citizen's Center. Her greatest joy was taking care of her grandchildren whenever the need arose and they, likewise, enjoyed caring for her during the last few years. She enjoyed watching game shows that challenged her mind. She love to travel and would take road trips to anywhere, but especially to Charlottesville, Virginia, to see family and friends.
Imogene leaves to cherish her memory, three devoted children -- Don Allen Porter, Ed.D (wife, Bernadette Morgan Porter) of Lewisville, Texas; Lawrence David Porter of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Lorraine Porter Blagman (husband, Ronald Blagman) of Brookhaven, Pensylvania; six grandchildren: Tiffany and Steven Howard, Kamerin and Marisa Blagman, and Damon and Shahara Porter; four great-grandchildren: Corin, Na Sim, Tori, and DaQuan, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Imogene never liked for you to say "good-bye"! Whenever she would leave, she would always say "see ya". And so for now, and until we cross over ----
"See ya"
May Our Lord love keep you in His care,
The Family
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