PORTER, ELLA LOUISE BELL

On Friday, September 11, 2020, we lost the most loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Ella Louise Bell Porter, age 93, died peacefully at the Village of Lebanon in Lebanon, KY surrounded by her family.

Ella Porter, daughter of the late Rev. George W. Bell and Ada Lewis Durrett Bell, was born in Marion County, Kentucky on July 29, 1927.  She lived a long and fruitful life and her favorite saying was "It will be alright".

Ella graduated from Rosenwald High School in Lebanon, KY.  She was a lifelong and oldest member of Sherman Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Lebanon, KY ( formerly pastored by her father and grandfather ).  In her earlier years, she devoted numerous hours to church ministries including but not limited to cleaning of the church, coordinating church dinners, sewing circle and quilting, and other ministries as needed.  Also, she was a member of the NAACP and served as the chapter secretary for several years.  She enjoyed the sewing circle at St. Augustine Catholic Church and welcomed the time she shared with the group.

She spent many of her working years at Mary Immaculate Hospital as a nurse's aide, helping to take care of the new moms and their precious babies.   Those were the good times with the new moms celebrating and crying at the same time.  I guess it's true, if you make your work fun then it can be very rewarding.   Even as Mom spent her last days at the Village here in Lebanon, many times, people stopped by her lunch or dinner table and said, I remember you from Mary Immaculate Hospital when my child, grandchild, niece or nephew was born.  Do you know me?  Then a long conversation ensued.

Affectionately known as "Boogie" "Granny Boogie" and "Aunt Boogie" she truly enjoyed quilting, working in her church, and especially spending time with her family and friends.  She was the epitome of family, friends, and laughter.  She was generous, kind, loved to laugh and enjoyed all of her neighbors.  She had many friends from all walks of life.  Throughout her life, her family remained her focus and she served as a true inspiration to all who knew her.

Welcoming Ella home besides her parents are her husband, the late John H. Porter, brothers, Henry L. Bell, Robert S. Bell, Charles E. Bell, George E. Bell, as well as sisters, Alma Bell Smith and Verda Mae Calhoun.  She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters; Linda Porter Edelen of Lebanon, KY and Jean Porter Ashley (Kenneth) of Louisville, KY and three sons; J. Leo Porter (Regina) of Louisville, KY, Robert S. Porter (Maranda) of Campbellsville, KY, and Daniel R. Porter (Janel) of Louisville, KY; and a honorary daughter, Sheila Murrell of Lebanon, KY, brothers, James D. Bell (Georgia) of Lebanon, KY and Thomas R. Bell (Carol) of Kissimmee, FL.  Also, sisters-in-law, Lucy Evans (Jeroyd) of Lebanon, KY and Alice Bell of Lebanon, KY and brother-in-law Charles Porter of Cincinnati, OH.  She has 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 18, 2020 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Interment to follow in Lebanon National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Bosley Funeral Home.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral home is restricted to 50% capacity. Visitors paying their respects will be asked to wait during busy periods until others leave before entering the funeral home. Food or beverages are not permitted at this time. Face masks are required to enter the facility.