Jo Ann Foster Porter

Jo Ann Foster Porter, 90, of Thomasville, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026, at her home.

Born August 25, 1935, in Bessemer City, NC, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Rufus Foster and the late Lucy Dellinger Foster.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Robert G. “Bob” Porter, her high school sweetheart, who welcomed her into heaven on Valentine’s Day after over 27 years apart; and her sisters, Carolyn and Betty.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Rob Porter, and wife Leslie of Thomasville; her daughter, Diane Roberts and partner Kim of Gainesville, FL; her grandsons, Reid Roberts, Benjamin Porter, and Daniel Porter, of whom she loved dearly; and several nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was a dedicated educator, retiring after 30 years, most of it spent teaching fourth grade at Liberty Drive School. Teaching was her calling. She delighted in shaping young minds and took special joy in teaching North Carolina history - especially its lighthouses. One of her greatest pleasures was seeing former students return years later with their own children, whom she also had the privilege of teaching.

A woman of deep faith, JoAnn was an active and devoted member of Green Street Baptist Church. If the doors were open, she could be found faithfully serving by counting the offering, preparing and delivering meals, participating in Bible study and Sunshine Fellowship, and quietly helping whenever a need arose. Her Sunday School class became like a second family over the years always showing up for each other in big and small ways. The trips and holiday celebrations anchored her later years and brought tremendous joy.

Jo Ann was well known for her baking. Each Christmas, she and the family prepared special treats for Bob’s coworkers at Thomasville Furniture Industries, baking for as many as 75 people. Extended family meals at Easter were not complete without her coconut cake for the Foster family gathering, and her German chocolate cake for the Porter family gathering. Her pound cakes were legendary, often requested, and one could almost always be found on her kitchen counter.

She was a compassionate teacher, loyal friend, devoted wife, and mother and grandmother who took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

And she did it all with style, humor, and a little bit of Southern sass. If you cannot join us for the service, please stop for a moment and say a prayer, bake something, enjoy a meal with friends, have an ice cream cone, or go shopping for a new addition to your wardrobe to honor Jo Ann’s memory.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the sanctuary of Green Street Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Wright Funerals-Cremations of High Point is in charge of the arrangements.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23