Josie Crocker Porter

On the afternoon of Saturday, October 26, 2024, our beloved Josie Catherine Porter slipped away peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by her devoted family. Josie was born a twin on May 19, 1941, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia to Angeline McCall (Banks) and Charlie Leslie Crocker. Joseph Kirkland, Josie’s twin brother, passed away at one year old. Josie was affectionately called “Catherine” or “Cat” by family and close friends. From a young age, her musical gifts were apparent. She was inspired to play the piano by both parents, who also played. In addition to the piano, her father played the trombone, harmonica, accordion, guitar, and drums. Josie delighted in “fiddling” on her neighbor’s piano (Mrs. Janie Stone), displaying extraordinary talent. Later, Mrs. Stone encouraged Josie’s mother to allow her to take lessons. Josie began to study piano with Mrs. Eunice Wilkins, a well-known musician in Tidewater and along the East Coast, and organist at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. Soon afterwards, Josie became the pianist for Ebenezer’s Sunday School and the accompanist for the Alexander Wilkins Chorale, which performed concerts locally along with Mrs. Selena Mae Scott, another organist at Ebenezer. As a teenager, Josie continued to learn and play while in school, with her first job as a pianist at Union Baptist Missionary Church (Shoulders Hill). She graduated with her beloved Class of 1959 from I.C. Norcom High School. While in high school, she accompanied the chorus directed by Mr. Melvin Lewis. As the youngest of six sisters and four brothers, Josie loved her siblings dearly and appreciated their sacrifices for her growing up. To provide a few examples, her siblings provided her clothes for special occasions, covered the expenses for her to be a 1959 Eureka Debutante, purchased her first car (’64 Chevrolet Malibu), and heroically saved her piano from the second floor during a neighbor’s house fire. She admired her sisters (Eleanor, Dorothy, Leslie, Alma, Helen, and Emily) and brothers (George, Howard, Clifton, and Johnny) and often reminisced about the early days living at 206 First Avenue and the close-knit community of family and friends. Josie received a B.S. degree in Public School Music (Concentration in Piano) from Norfolk State University - NSU (Class of 1963). She studied piano with Mr. Noah Ryder, Mr. Reginald Parker, and Dr. Rosemary Adams. At NSU, she was a member of the first Women’s Sextet and Concert Choir. During her senior year, she was invited to join Delta Sigma Theta’s Epsilon Theta Chapter by Dr. Marian Palmer Capps, former NSU professor, chapter advisor, and founding president of the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter. However, she was unable to continue Pyramid Club initiation activities. After 30 years, she completed her journey to Delta in 1993 via the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter. Her professional career as a music teacher started in Staunton, Virginia at Central Augusta High School (1963 – 1964). After this one-year term, she returned to Portsmouth to teach fifth grade at Moffett Place Elementary School, where she met her husband, Lloyd Troy Porter. They were united in marriage in 1965 at Ebenezer Baptist Church (the Crocker Family church). From their blessed union, they became the very proud parents of Chris and Adrienne. Josie‘s tenure as a fifth grade and music teacher exceeded more than 30 years in the Portsmouth Public School System. As an outstanding educator and advocate for children, she received many awards and accolades including Teacher of the Year in 1994. She taught at Brighton, Emily Spong, Douglass Park, Simonsdale, Lakeview, Shea Terrace, Highland Biltmore, and Hodges Manor Elementary Schools until retirement. In the community, Josie was always recognized and acknowledged by former students and their parents. She was a pianist/accompanist for soloists, numerous events, and family functions over the years in the Tidewater area, including the L.D. Britt Annual Scholarship Fund Dinner. Josie was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Chancel Choir. She served as one of the church’s pianists and Women’s Day Music Director for many years. She wrote the church’s “Welcome Song” which is still being sung today. She was a member of the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Red Hatters. She and Lloyd could often be found at banquets and choir concerts in the Tidewater area and attended many Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) events (Lloyd was a proud ECSU ‘64 alum). After retirement, she enjoyed attending exercise classes and activities at the Portsmouth Senior Center and spending time with her adored grandchildren. Josie was predeceased by her loving husband of almost 55 years, Lloyd Troy, parents, sisters, Eleanor Hasket, Dorothy Beeks, Leslie Long, Alma Hines, and Emily Gwynn; and brothers George A.C. Crocker, Howard Crocker, and Johnny Crocker. Those cherishing the memories of her life are her children, Chris Porter (Melanie) of Glenn Allen, VA, and Adrienne Smith (Orlando) of Bowie, MD; Josie’s beloved grandchildren and the proud “Granny” to Ellis and Greer Porter, and Erin and Pierce Smith; goddaughter, Justina Eason of Lexington, VA; sister, Helen Hines of Portsmouth, VA; brother, Clifton Crocker (Eunice) of Chesapeake, VA; brother-in-law, Anthony Porter of Suffolk, VA, and sisters-in-law, Brenda Tann of Ahoskie, NC and Joan Barnes (Luther) of Como, NC; treasured family, wonderful friends, and the best neighbors you could ask for! Josie’s steadfast belief in God and her commitment to her faith were evident in her daily devotions, prayers, service to others, smile, and praise and worship through singing and playing the piano, and the way she lived her life! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norfolk State University Choirs by visiting www.nsu.edu/givenow. Select "NSU Choirs" from the Select a Fund drop down field or mail checks payable to Norfolk State University Foundation (write NSU Choirs/In Memory of Josie Crocker Porter) on memo line to Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, HBW Suite 410, Norfolk, VA 23504.

Josie Crocker Porter

May 19, 1941 - October 26, 2024