Retha Lucille Porter

Retha Lucille Porter, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved sister, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. She was surrounded by the comforting presence of family and friends.

Born on September 22, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Retha was the treasured daughter of the late Julius and Beatrice Heyward. She began her early education in the Baltimore City School System and, in 1959, relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, with her mother. Retha graduated from the historic Howard High School in 1961. Shortly after, she began working as a receptionist for the trailblazing civil rights attorney Louis L. Redding, Delaware's first Black lawyer-a position she held with great pride.

In 1961, Retha met the love of her life, Arthur T. Porter. The two were married in 1962 and they welcomed their daughter, Darcel Y. Porter, into the world.

Retha's professional journey led her to a fulfilling 30-year career at the DuPont Company, where she served as an accountant until her retirement in 1992. She was known for her diligence, precision, and integrity in her work.

Beyond her career, Retha found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved to travel and explore new places with family and friends. A lifelong learner and curious spirit, she was an avid reader and a devoted fan of game shows and reality TV, especially Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race. Her enthusiasm for technology made her the family's unofficial "tech guru," and she could often be found on her beloved tablet, staying connected with the world around her.

After a long and courageous battle with illness, Retha's journey came to a close with grace and dignity. She is preceded in death by her parents and six beloved brothers: Julius, Adolph, Milton, Wardel, Roland, and Clayton.

Retha leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Darcel Porter; grandsons, Andre and Derrick; six great-grandchildren-Elijah, Derrick Jr., Mikaela, Seja, Quinsten, and Layla; her beloved sister, Celestine Stokes; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Among them are her lifelong friends, Janie and Olivia, whose steadfast companionship was a blessing throughout the years.

Retha's life was marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and the joy she brought into the lives of those who knew her.