Marie (Pringle) Portis

 Marie Pringle Portis, the youngest of ten children, born to the late Oliver and Ora Mae Pringle on April 16, 1937, in Choctaw County Alabama.  She departed this life on November 1, 2021.

She joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at an early age and remained faithful until she was no longer able to serve.  Marie loved Pleasant Hill and the late Reverend Fred Chapman with all her soul and heart. This love was demonstrated by serving as the President of the Pastor Aid Club for many years.  During her tenure, she raised funds for the support of the Pastor by spearheading various fundraising projects and events. Her proudest moment was when she arranged a successful church trip to Detroit, Michigan in support of the Pastor.

Marie, also served as a loyal and devoted member of the Missionary Society and a devoted Deaconess of the Church. She took pride in serving as a Church Deaconess and wearing her white attire on the 1st Sunday of each month.

She was a Charter and active member of the Essencenette Social Club, a Community Service-Oriented Organization for over 25 years.  Her greatest passions were serving and helping others.  During election time, she worked faithfully at the polls and was an advocate in getting people registered to vote.  She loved to dress extremely nice, cook and entertain her church family, club members and friends.

After being employed with James River Corporation (Georgia Pacific) for thirty years, she made the decision to retire in 2001.  She was a hardworking and dedicated employee.  Over the years, she worked in several positions within the organization; however, the Lab Analyst position held prior to her retirement was her most favorite. Immediately after retirement, she began working with the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Organization. Working with this organization allowed Marie the opportunity to help people in the community receive better housing/mobile homes.  Marie graduated from Choctaw County Training School, Class of 1956.

She was married to the late Thomas James Portis (TJ) for 46 years.  Out of this union five children were born.  Thomas Earl Portis, Late James Thomas Portis, Ricky Portis, Lillie Portis Naylor, and Lee Marvin Portis. Andrea (Dre) Portis, grandchild was raised as their own.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Ora Mae Pringle, husband, Thomas James “TJ” Portis, son James Thomas Portis (“Terry”), nine siblings, Irene Spraggins, Essie Sturdivant, Helen White, Macie McRae, Elizabeth Prestige, Orzalee Benson, Oliver Pringle, Jr. (Lil Buddy), Aaron and David Pringle.

She leaves to cherish her memories to her children: Thomas Earl (Dana) Portis, Indianapolis, IN; Ricky Portis, Yantley, AL; Lee Marvin (Donna) Portis, Yantley, AL; Lillie Portis (Bobby) Naylor,  Jackson, MS; daughter-in-law, Elaine Portis, Yantley, AL; eleven grandchildren; Jasmine Gaines, Andrea Portis, Martina and Harrison Portis, Nicholas Portis, Keosha Robinson, Natasha, Tawanna and Tyler Salters, Hope and Phillip Naylor; three great-grandchildren, Gabby Portis, Mason Naylor and Winter Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.