Brenda Lawson Porterfield

OAK RIDGE — Brenda Lawson Porterfield, 57, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, April 25, 2008, after a battle with cancer. She is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday April 29, at the First Christian Church, 1130 N. Main Street, Kernersville, with Pastor Pete Kunkle officiating. Interment will follow at Coulson Church of the Brethren, 4127 Coulson Church Road, Hillsville, Virginia, with Pastor Russell Payne assisting at 3 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall of Coulson Church following the interment.

A native of Carroll County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Sterlin Vance Lawson (who preceded her in 1998) and Ethel Marie Sharpe Lawson, who survives. Brenda was a member of First Christian Church in Kernersville and had also been a member of First Baptist Church of Kernersville and the Coulson Church of the Brethren in her younger years. An insurance claims adjuster for Sapp, Bowman, and Teague, Brenda was truly loved by her associates. Brenda truly loved gardening and the beauty of flowers and had a special place in her heart for all animals.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Charles D. Teague for his continued kindness during Brenda's difficult times. Also, special thanks to all the numerous medical professionals at Wesley Long Cancer Center and Hospice of Greensboro who provided caring treatment. Our greatest appreciation goes to the pastoral staff and the caring membership of First Christian Church who provided so much to our family during our difficult times.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Eugene Porterfield of the home; daughter, April Michele Vaughn and her husband, Allan of Stokesdale; son, Jason Paul Porterfield and his wife, Welcome of Oak Ridge; mother, Marie Sharpe Lawson-Kirby and stepfather, Richard of Woodlawn, Va.; sister, Jeanette Mabe and her husband, Thomas "Tom" of Woodlawn, Va.; three stepbrothers, Dennis, Gary and Ronnie Kirby; grandchildren, Ryan Allan Vaughn and Emma Keo Porterfield, most favorite being known as grandmother "Nee"!

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday evening, April 28, at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home, 213 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, and other times at the home.

The family would welcome floral arrangements for her memorial service, but would prefer that a contribution be made, in her honor, either to the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.

Contribution acknowledgements and online condolences may be sent to the Porterfield family at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com, or www.condolences blp@bellsouth.net