Linda Porter

Linda Burrell Porter was called home with her heavenly Father on Sunday, May 19, 2024.  She was born on March 15, 1942, the only beloved child to John and Carnell Obie Burrell in Newport News, VA.  Linda was raised and baptized at Zion Baptist Church of Phoebus under Rev. J. Dett Marshburn. After the birth of her grandson, she became a member of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple where she loved her Pastor, Rev. Jerome A. Barber.

Linda was educated in Hampton City Schools where she attended Robert R. Moton Elementary School, Y.H. Thomas Junior High School and she graduated in 1960 from the original George P. Phenix High School located on the campus of Hampton University. While in high school she worked at the John Downing Shoe Shop in Phoebus, repairing shoes and pocketbooks, and also worked at the historic Bay Shore Beach where her Great Uncle was a business partner.

After high school, she attended St. Paul’s College then Dixie Hospital Nursing School where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. She continued working as a nurse and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1989 completing the requirements to be a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a nurse for over 45 years serving Dixie/Hampton General/Sentara; she also served as the Director of Nursing at James Point Nursing Home and later retired from the former John B. Cary Elementary School (now Mary T. Christian Elementary) as a school nurse where her students and parents adored her.

Throughout her life, Linda was involved in various school and community activities including being a member of the hospital bowling league, Girl Scout troop leader, Silver Sneakers program, assisting her daughters with the Y. H. Thomas Athletic Association and contributor to the Bay Shore Beach Experience Documentary. She was also a member of the Health Care Ministry at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple. 

She loved all sports. Her favorite teams to support were the Phoebus High School Phantoms and Norfolk State University Spartan athletics. She was a special mother and grandma to many children in the community. Linda was caring, generous, and supportive of their many activities and sporting events. She was a true champion to many people. 

While being a dedicated and loving parent, she raised her three girls working tireless hours to support their many activities: tap, jazz, ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading, baton twirling, track & field, soccer, basketball, and competitions along the East Coast with a visit to Canada. Though she worked around the clock, she rarely missed an opportunity to support her girls. 

As a grandma, she spent countless hours with her grandsons. She is the sole inspiration for her grandson Zion’s love for sports and being an athlete. Her favorite thing to do with her grandson Hunter was to share their love of goldfish snacks and veggie straws. She poured boundless love and wisdom into their lives. She encouraged Zion to remain strong in his faith and she encouraged Hunter to hear the word of God.      

With kind a heart, in 1991 she welcomed her Great Niece, Stephanie, and raised her as her own. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents John and Carnell Obie Burrell. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration for generations to come her daughters Johnnell Porter-Smith (Phillip IV), Pamela Porter, and Stephanie Porter Brown (Christopher); grandsons Zion Porter-Ervin and Hunter Brown; and many loving family and friends. 

We thank God for the life of Linda Burrell Porter as stated by a family member “She was stalwart and one of a kind”.

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