Stella Porter

Stella Stine Porter, affectionately known as "Star," was a beam of charismatic light who brought warmth and joy to everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Born on March 27, 1971, in Marks, Mississippi, Stella lived a life marked by compassion, empathy and an abundance of love. She was a vibrant spirit who delighted in sharing her joys and passions, whether through cooking a beloved family recipe, singing her heart out, or simply spending cherished time with her family and friends. In the words of Helen Keller, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." This quote embodied the essence of Stella. Her nurturing spirit touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark of her love and kindness.

Stella's commitment to family was unparalleled. She had a unique ability to make each family member feel special and loved, creating a sense of belonging and unity that was the bedrock of the Porter household. Star never met a stranger and served as a surrogate mother to many, opening her heart and home to children who came to know her love as their own.

Star's nurturing spirit extended far beyond her home and family life. She was a trusted source of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement, especially when it came to business and life decisions. People sought her out not only for practical advice, but for her honesty, discernment, and ability to see potential where others saw obstacles. She believed in empowering others, often pouring into their dreams with the same passion she carried for her own. Through her generosity, insight, and unwavering support, Star left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her legacy is one of love freely given, laughter shared without restraint, and memories that will continue to shine brightly in the hears of those who know and loved her.

She is survived by her loving significant other, Jason Lemons, her son JaJuan Smith, her daughter Britney Lockett-Porter, and her adored grandchildren, British Hardy and Jadori Scott, all of Dayton, Ohio. Stella is also survived by her parents, Gertrude (Richard) Cave of Cincinnati, Ohio and Howard (Sue) Griffin of Tutwiler, Mississippi, her brothers Roosevelt Porter and Eugene 'Reggie' Debraux of Dayton, Ohio, sisters Janita Porter of Dayton, Ohio, Sherenna Griffin of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Melanie Debraux of Cincinnati, nephews Cory D Porter of Lakewood, Ohio, Roosevelt Porter, Jr and Te'Quan Wilks of Dayton, Ohio, special cousins Tia (Paul Jr) Davis and Jamaal Harris of Dayton, Ohio and her lifelong sister friends LaShawnita Goode, Vateema Frosh, Traci Rashad, and LaSandra James.

Stella was preceded in death by her sister Machelle Porter, her nephew Mar'Quan Wilks, her maternal grandparents Gertrude Smith, Matthew Porter, paternal grandparents Zebabee Doyle, and Mattie Doyle, her special aunt Charita Young-Davis, and her friend Joe Oglesby. Their memories were always close to Stella's heart and she often spoke of them with great love and affection.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 am EST at the W.E. Lusain Funeral Home & Crematory Ohio, located at 2060 Germantown Street, Dayton, Ohio, 45417. A Celebration of Stella's life will follow at 12:00 pm EST. We invite all who knew and loved Stella to come and share their stories, laughter, and tears as we remember a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

We encourage anyone who knew Stella to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Stella's spirit lives on in the memories we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the love we carry in our hearts.