Supervisor Emerita Ethel Delores Porter

SHEPHERD MOTHER ETHEL PORTER, born August 19, 1943, to Louis Brothers, Jr., and Ella Hudson in Baltimore, Maryland, softly transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, March 14,
2025. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and service.

Ethel’s early years were spent in Brooklyn, New York, where she and her mother built a life steeped in community and love for God. She thrived in the New York school system, ultimately graduating
from Brooklyn High School. Eager to pursue her passion for numbers, she went on to earn a degree in accounting from Brooklyn Community College.  From a young age, Ethel was deeply connected to her faith at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Story. Her spiritual journey continued with her aunt, the late Lillie Mae Dempsey, who founded the Gospel Tabernacle Pentecostal Church. Ethel’s mother, the late Ella Copeland, took on the mantle of pastor after much prayer, leading the congregation with grace and strength. Holiness and dedication to ministry were woven into Ethel’s very being.

Ethel’s life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Alton Porter, at the Alpha and Omega church conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Their bond grew, leading to their marriage on April 4, 1970. Shortly after their wedding, they relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where they built a loving family, welcoming three children: Rodney M. Porter, Crystal L. Porter, and Joi E. Porter.  In 1971, Pastor Alton and Lady Porter, founded the Evangelic Gospel Tabernacle under the guidance of Overseer Lillie Mae Dempsey. Their ministry blossomed, becoming a beacon of hope and support for countless families in the community. They quickly secured a property on Woodland Avenue, where many preachers and ministries were nurtured and emerged. After a short time in this space, the land was paid in full without selling one chicken dinner. It was here where the Ministry grew and became a place of refuge for pilgrims passing though this land.  Mother Porter dedicated 54 years to the Evangelic Gospel Tabernacle, serving tirelessly as the First Musician alongside her husband. The moment her son learned to play his first chord, Ethel stepped back, taking on other vital roles within the church. Her commitment to ministry was unwavering; she served as the First Lady, Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Pray Band Leader, Prophetess, Watchman on the Wall, and beloved Spiritual Mother to many.  After the passing of her husband, the Late Bishop Alton R. Porter, in 2014, Ethel remained steadfast and supportive of her son, Bishop Rodney M. Porter, demonstrating her unyielding love and commitment to her family and to the church. Her life was one of purpose, filled with unwavering faith and an indomitable spirit that touched the lives of so many. It was here that her son, after being consecrated as Bishop in the Lords Church, he appointed his mother as the General Supervisor of Department of Women. She served until her illness would no longer allow, but consistently stood by cheering on her successors.

Shepherd Mother was a known praiser. No matter what was going on in her life there was one thing you would always find herself doing, and that was praising the Lord. Every service you would find her encouraging the kids to praise the lord in a dance, or she would be in front of the musicians fanning them on to keep playing. We will miss her washboard playing, her tambourine beating, and the toe tapping that she would do in every service.

Mother Porter was employed for over 30 years where she retired as a legal secretary at Squire, Sanders and Dempsey. This explains why mother porter kept such good financial records for the church all those years, knowing where every penny was going, even when it meant sacrificing their personal money to be sure that the church of God stayed afloat. When Bishop Alton Porter was
consecrated to the Bishopric, we to this day, don’t know how she did it, but every bill was paid, and nothing went lacking.

To meet Mother Porter at Heaven's gate, will be her husband of 44 Years, Bishop Alton R. Porter; mother, Reverend Ella Copeland; father, Louis Brothers, Sr.; mother-in-love, Evangelist Annie
Porter; father-in-love, James D. Porter, Sr.; aunt, Reverend Lillie Mae Dempsey; siblings, Avon Brothers, Craven Brothers, and Alfonza Brothers; brother-in-love, Calvert Porter; niece, Pam Porter; spiritual mentor, Bishop Charles D. Sessions; and good friends, Pastor and Lady Donald Ballard, and Evangelist Correen Farmer.

Ethel Porter leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will resonate within the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her: children, Bishop Rodney M. Porter of Columbus, Ohio, Crystal L. Porter of Atlanta, Georgia, Joi E. Porter of Houston, Texas, and Michael (Sandra) Porter of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Jasmine Porter, Tyreese Brown, Sean Smith II; great-grandchildren, Javier Alexander-Porter, Josiah Porter, and Journey Cowans; siblings, Katie (Thomas) Askew, Lewis (Wanda) Brothers, Arnold D. (Stella) Brothers, Ernest (Norma) Brothers, Cynthia A. Brothers, Marion (Haywood) Collins, Karen Mack. Brother in Love: James D. Porter Jr.; sister-in-love, Dorcus Porter; her loving Brooklyn, New York Family, Baltimore, Maryland Family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; spiritual children, Pastor Rickey C. Baker, II, Bishop David Stockton, Bishop Romel Johnson, Apostle Sean Smith, Sr., Pastor Niecy Johnson, Pastor Theressa Ware, Apostle Raheem Warren, Overseer Fred Martin, Elder Mike Booker, Elder Brian Crawford; personal adjutant and caregiver, Evangelist Raynett Bascom; and successor, general supervisor, Patrice Muller.

She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire and guide those she loved.

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