Pastor Jessie Porch, 87, of Chattanooga, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at his residence.
He became a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on April, 1963 and served as a deacon later becoming the Assistant Pastor under the leadership of Reverend C.L. Douglas. He pastored Oak Hill Baptist Church and Cedar Springs Baptist Church in the Georgia area for 26 years. Jessie retired from U.S. Pipe Foundry after 30+ years and Chattanooga State Community College after 20 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his two wives, Helen Thurman Porch of 35 years and Annie Porch of 25 years; son, Hebert Thurman; three sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include his daughter, Patricia (Clarence) Purter; sons, Hursher (Terri) Thurman, Marshall Porch, all of Chattanooga, and Myron (Darla) Porch of Kennesaw, GA; stepdaughter, Patricia Merrill; sixteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild, all of Chattanooga; sisters, Hennie Wade and Mary King, both of Chattanooga; and a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
Jessie will lie in state on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 1:30 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Pastor Carlton Douglas as the eulogist.