Obituaries

Melissa was a member of Bay Area Chapter, Blacks in Government. She served as our Secretary. She was reliable and committed until her health failed. She had a sweet spirit and a kind personality. She was also strong in her faith. I am sure she is resting in Peace. My Sympathy and Prayers for her family. Sorrowfully, A. LaVerne Feaster-Johnson, President Bay Area Chapter, Blacks in Government

To the family of our dear sister in Christ. We find peace on behalf of you leaving us so soon, because we know that you are now in in the presence of the Lord. Our heartfelt condolence and prayers are with you. Mother Lucille Plummer, and Sister Agnes Rush.

Rest in peace and sending condolences to the family. We will miss you Melissa. A void in our hearts and our Bay Area BIG family. Valerie Frazier

Evangelist Porter I count it such an honor to have known you for as many years as we did. I love the times we shared the special moments when you would stop by the house on your way to work. You will truly be missed. And yes God healed you and called you on home. Love the Favors family.

Melissa, my dear friend, I thank God for your life and our friendship. Through our church fellowship, God has solidified our relationship. You have been an encouragement and strength in my life and as a part of Ladies of Destiny. So many memories of us together that I am grateful that we intentionally set time aside just to talk and laugh. Your last word you sent was"You are welcome. Amen!" You stood the ground honoring God to the end. You will be forever missed here on earth. See you later in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

Melissa and I graduated near the top of our high school class. I think she was 14th, and I was 16th, out of like 325. Yes, she was slightly smarter than me. We were one of the few African Americans in advance classes. I think we were the only ones, which made us very close. We were born within weeks of each other, which also strengthen our bond. Even when I left for UF and her to USF, we would visit each other and provide support. We went through very good and very bad times as friends, but we stayed friends. After her every child, I told her to stop having kids because she got smaller with each one. She was fun, beautify, and caring. I will miss her dearly. Unfortunately, I am based in South Africa, and I cannot be present during her going home ceremony, but I will be thinking about her for a very long time. I miss you dear Dr Porter. My family passes our condolences to your family. Dr Michael Washington

My dearest god-sister, I'm so grateful to have known you. I took for granted that we had more time do more and will forever cherish our day in Tarpon Springs. So blessed to have you in my life. Your texts and chats will be missed. forever in my heart, Lisa Landry

Dr. Porter— My friend, Melissa. I am so blessed to have known you, worked with you and most especially—called you my friend. I am gutted by losing you and even more that I never told you how awesome and tough and strong you are. Every night when we pray at dinner, Zora says "and Dr. Porter?" And I just cry. You were a constant in our prayers the last year. I'm relieved you're with Jesus but otherwise so angry with your death. I miss you! Love, Megan Simmons