Rose Yvonne McInnis Portis

Rose Yvonne McInnis Portis

Jackson - A Time to be Born: Life's Journey for Rose Yvonne McInnis Portis began as the second child born to the late Hattie V. J. and Ulysses S. McInnis. She received her early education in the Laurel Public School System where she graduated from Oak Park High School. Recognizing the importance of education, she later received a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College; a Master of Arts from Fisk University where she was a member of the famed Jubilee Singers; and a Specialist in English from Jackson State University. She did additional studies at Atlanta University, the University of Michigan and the Thirteenth College Program in Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts. Always believing in God's unending promises, Rose joined church at an early age in Laurel, Mississippi. After moving to Jackson, Mississippi in 1967, the family joined Farish Street Baptist Church, and in 1974 joined Morning Star Baptist Church. She was a very active member at both churches. She loved her church, her pastor, the choir and Sunday School. In her final years she joined her daughters at yet another Morning Star Baptist Church located in Gwynn Oak, Maryland. A Time for Every Purpose: Rose was quoted as saying, "I loved teaching and the students I taught. I always tried to make learning a rewarding experience." This love for teaching was shared with students in the High Schools of Andalusia, Alabama, Laurel and Jackson, Mississippi, as well as the college campuses of Tuskegee Institute (University) and Jackson State University where she retired in 1986 after many years as a devoted English and Literature Instructor. During her teaching tenure, she held membership in several academic and professional organizations. A Time to Love: In a union created in 1944 with Dr. Montague S. Lawrence, the first of Rose's daughters was born, Cathy Diane Lawrence. Following in 1959, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Talmadge B. Portis, Jr. and their union of 59 years blessed them with two additional daughters, Angela Violet and Lisa Rose Portis and a very special God-Daughter, Jacqueline Stevens. A Time to be Blessed: Rose enjoyed a rich life surrounded by many friends and family who loved and cherished her dearly. Singing, cooking, reading, and playing Bridge were a few of her favorite things to do. One of her most prized blessings was an honor bestowed upon her by the Covington County High School (Andalusia, AL) Class of 1959 who named her as "The Teacher Who Made a Difference". A Time to Die: Rose departed this life on the evening of June 15th in Ellicott City, Maryland in the home of her daughter and son-in-law. A Time to Mourn: Precious memories will forever linger in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memories are daughters (Cathy Lawrence Patterson, Angela P. Keys, Dr. Lisa P. (Athol) Morgan); God-Daughter (Dr. Jaqueline Stevens); Sister-In-Law (Naomi C. Johnson); Son (Donald Wade); Daughter (Monica DeJohn (Randy)); Grandchildren (Felicia P. Burse, Portis L. Patterson, Jeremy B. Slater, Gabrielle A. Y. White, Ena D. Keys, Justin W. Morgan, Miles A. Morgan, Candice (Bobby) Vaughn, Donald Wade, Jr., Alice DeJohn, Alexis DeJohn); Great Grandchildren (Jimmy E. Burse, Cathy A. Burse, Jon J. Burse, Chloe C. Patterson, Xavier L. Patterson); a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins (Kay F. Grace and Family, Tanya Gray and Family, Janice Johnson and Family, Michael Shanks and Family, Kathy Thomas and Family, Simon (Delphine) Shanks, Jr. and Family, Miranda Nash (Spencer) and Family, Shannon O'Garro (Easton); Special Loving Friends (Thelma and Johnnie Terry, Barbara Stevens, Allen T. Eaton, Larinda Faye Lewis, Clara Bell Williams, Dionne Fulcher Green and Family, and the Covington County High School Class of 1959,). She is preceded in death by her husband (Talmadge B. Portis, Jr.); her parents (Hattie V. J. and Ulysses McInnis); her two sisters (Sebelle Duke, Joyce (Carlos) Lim); and Sister-in-Law (Barbara (Simon) Shanks).