Thelma Lee Porter

Thelma Lee Greear Porter

After 95 wonderful years with family and friends, Thelma “T” Lee Greear Porter, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. She was born July 11, 1931, in Bastian, VA to the late George W. and Verna Lee Johnson Greear. Thelma was Salutatorian of the Lynn View High School class of 1949. “T” married James Paul Porter in 1951, and they were married for 60 years, until he passed away in 2011.

Thelma graduated from Whitney School of Business and began her 37-year career as a professional secretary with Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, TN, retiring in 1987. She earned an Affiliate Broker Real Estate License. “T” and Paul enjoyed life together, always by each other’s side, building several houses, an apartment building, and managing their rental properties.

“T” was a huge Clemson football fan. She enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Kingsport, and the Friendship Sunday School Class.

In addition to her loving husband, James Paul Porter, “T” was preceded in death by her two brothers, Rudy Greear, and Gene Greear; and her one sister, Marie Greear Porter.

She is survived by her daughter, L. Cherie Porter and husband, Dick Slack; grandchildren, Michael Slack (Erin) and Rebecca Slack; great-grandson TJ Brown and great-granddaughters Camryn Cecere, McKenna Slack and Sarah Slack; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday at Carter-Trent Funeral Home with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. Entombment service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 1:00 PM.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Slack, Billy Porter, Tom Lee Elam and Scott Held. 

Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Porter family.