Joself Porter

Mr. Joself Earl "Bo" Porter was born October 30, 1962, to the late Rev. James W. "Jim" Porter, Sr. and Mrs. Uretha Kelly-Porter in Jackson, MS. After a a brief and courageous battle with an unexpected stricken illness, Joself passed away peacefully at St. Frances Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Joself was the ninth child of ten children. His parents, maternal and paternal grandparents and five of his siblings receding him in death; two brothers, Frank Leflore and James W. "Jim/Beech" Porter, Jr. and three sisters, Dorothy, Edna and Sandra Porter.

Joself accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by his father at Mt. Zion M.B. Church in Yazoo, MS. He and his family relocated to Memphis, TN and he continued his spiritual growth and education, attended Melrose High School and chose to obtain his GED his Junior year. He became affiliated with the Grand Lodge of TN as a lifetime member, received training, recognition and Certification as a NASCAR Master Mechanic and perfected mechanics in addition to maintenance, HVAC, manager and prep-cook of Wendy's fast food chain. He was a community liason and would help anyone at anytime. He was Volunteer with the Shelby County Crisis Center, loved working with the elderly in retirement homes/nursing homes, under-privileged, displaced and disadvantaged. Joself enjoyed collecting comic books, visiting casinos and was a die-hard fan of the Oakland Raiders & Pittsburgh Steelers.

Joself was a dedicated and devoted father who shielded and protected his family without apprehension. He was definitely spiritually inclined; his morals, integrity and character were impeccable and extraordinary. He was a man who "stood of tall statue" and was well known as Mr. Porter" throughout downtown Memphis, especially on "Beale Street" - even being a man of few words-and Introvert. 

Joself leaves to cherish his memories, his soulmate within which their matrimonial bliss survived for forty-four years(44) until his death. He affectionally called her "My Wife" Connie Brown-Porter. Their union produced three sons, Jody(Joyce) Brown-Porter, Josell Brown-Porter and Joselly(Kayla) Brown-Porter all of Memphis, TN. Exclusive of his immediate family, he leaves a brother, Urban "Leo" Porter of Crystal Springs, MS; three sisters; Sylvia Porter-Wiley of Memphis, TN; Diana "Linda"(Kevin)Porter Davis and Matilda Porter both of New Orleans, LA; an aunt, Mrs. Gertha M. (Jimmie Smith)Kelly of Canton, MS; five(5) grandchildren, Carly "Cupcake", Elaina "Butterfly", Jayden "Dragonfly", Harmoni "Firefly" and Alliyah (Born 12/20/25)all of Memphis, TN. Special Nieces: Carla (Robert)Leflore of Clarksville, TN., Alicia Sterns of Memphis, TN; Special nephews; Maurice Leflore of Crystal Springs, MS and Mario Leflore of Wisconsin; a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, extended family members, associates and friends.