Mary Leta Porshia

Mary Leta Porshia, 90, was more than a name. She was a beacon of love and devotion, a loving mother of three, a devoted wife to her late husband, David Porshia, and a caring grandmother, or “Nano,” to four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Her journey beyond the physical realm marked the beginning of her heavenly reunion on the early morning of Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Born in Marshall, NC, Mary was a beautician by profession and raised a deeply religious family in the Emma area of Buncombe County.

A fixture at Westwood Baptist Church, Mary was a dedicated servant within the children’s ministry and facilitated community outreach and care programs to minister to the West Asheville community. Like her passion for birds, Mary instilled happiness, a sense of hope, and a song for people to hear.

Mary’s words had gotten lost and wandered in her mind. Now, she is free of this condition. Send her voice to go free, and free she now shall be. We will never forget you, and we will always love you.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy and Edna Payne Goforth; her brother, Miles “Buddy” Goforth; her sister, Darlene Goforth; and her husband of 53 years, David Porshia.

She is survived by her sons, Tracy D. Porshia (Lynn), Faron Dale Porshia (Karen), and David Randy Porshia (Melissa); grandchildren, Landon Porshia (Twila), Travis Porshia (Jessica), Jared Porshia and Haley Huffman (Jamey); great-grandchildren, Jack Huffman and Emersyn “Emme” Porshia; sister-in-law, Patricia Goforth, her daughter, Belinda Goforth, and Belinda’s son, Carson; and special friend and roommate, Janet Butler.

A celebration of life will be held at Westwood Baptist Church/Oasis Church of Asheville, 150 Westwood Place, Asheville, NC 28806 on Sunday, June 9, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a receiving of friends. The funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Adam Black. Following the celebration of life, Mary will be placed to rest at Upper Laurel Baptist Church, 9940 US 23 Hwy, Mars Hill, NC 28754, beside her husband, where they will remain a temporary piece within the jewel of Western North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to the Westwood/Oasis Church Children’s Ministry, 150 Westwood Place, Asheville, NC 28806.

A mother like you is a rare gem, so generous, smart, and kind. A mother like you is a universal need, always bringing smiles and laughter, and doing great deeds. No one can replace a mother like you, but when you reach heaven, God will be blessed to have you, too.