Mrs. Joe Etta Porter Thomas was born in Anniston, Alabama to the late Charlie and Louise Porter, Sr. on  June 25, 1935. She confessed Christ and united wtih Spring Hill Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member. She was also a devoted member of the Spiritual Gsopel Harmonettes.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Charlie C. Porter, Sr. and Louise Porter; one son, Dennis Elston and one brother, Willie C. Porter. She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Elisha Thomas; her children, Gwendolyn Gray, Nathaniel Elston, Sr., Teresa E. Ross, Rufus Elston, Twauna (Lavon) LaCount, Geraldine Thomas and Zandra (Lamar) Gilder; her grandchildren, Randall Sr. (Renae), Antrell, Roy (Santrell), John Jr., Nathaniel Jr., Tamika, Joshua, Kealon, Ebony, Lavontae. Tamera and Kiara; her great-grandchildren, Charity, Randall, Jr. and Lamar; three brothers, Charlie C. (Mary) Porter, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Rev. James E. Porter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Freddie R. (Wilma) Porter of Huntsville, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Polly B. Porter of Georgia, Gloria Threatt, Evelyn (Robert) Millender; a brother-in-law, Fletcher (Evelyn) Thomas, Jr.  and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.