Evangelist Runetta Porter

Evangelist Runetta Porter, affectionately known as “Squeaky Baby” and “Twinkie Baby,” was born on July 3, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Reverend Dr. Archie
Matlock, Sr., and Annie Mae Matlock. Runetta was the oldest child of five. She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr.; dear son, Jeffrey “Jake” Porter; loving grandson, D’Evian “Dee” Porter; brother, Archie Matlock, Jr.; and her nieces and nephews, Evtrece, Renata, Karma, Zachariah, and Zephaniah Matlock.
Runetta accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Free Will Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Lee Ivy. Runetta married Leroy and to this union, Jeffrey and Laroy were born.
Runetta attended Marshall High School in Chicago and later graduated from Malcom X College with an associates degree following a Nursing Degree from St. Xavier in Chicago, Illinois. Runetta’s early career began as an associate at Sears Roebuck and an assistant at Sears Optic Eye Care Center.
Runetta was quite the woman, and she was known for her love for her children and family and her fiery passion for
Christ that led her to acquire so many talents and hobbies. As a loving, caring, and devoted daughter in support of her father’s ministry and business, Runetta held many roles at A&A Grocery Store, a family business in Chicago, Illinois. She was committed to a full life of service to our Lord and Savior as a dedicated member at Jesus Christ Holy Missionary Baptist Church, where she began her journey of wearing many hats. Her roles included evangelist, co-president of the Nurses Board, and vice president, eventually president, of the Jesus Christ Mass Adult Choir.
In 1992, Runetta wholeheartedly accepted the call into ministry and was ordained as a minister by the late Reverend Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr. She became the prayer leader for many prayer sessions and altar calls, and she faithfully taught Sunday School and effortlessly served as a missionary. It washerpassiontobeonfireforGod, which she showed in Tuesday night Bible Study where she taught the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Runetta repeatedly professed “I will let nothing separate me from the Love of God” Romans 8:39. As her love for Christ continued to grow, so did her ministry and acts of service for the edification of the body of Christ. Evangelist Porter loved being of service to others and the church. As Jesus Christ Holy MBC expanded in outreach ministry, she displayed additional talents and offered them in leadership by becoming the first director of the Jesus Christ Learning Workshop.
One thing about Runetta is that her heart’s desire was to be of service to the Lord, wherever there was a need. She served with an abundance of love, through effectual fervent prayer, by feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, and with the love shared with her family, both biological and Christian. Everyone who encountered her was captivated by her warm spirit, her smile, and the infectious authentic love that exuded from her. It wasn’t uncommon to find her smiling and laughing among family and friends and her presence brought peace, joy, and love.
Runetta crossed over to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 5, 2023, peacefully in her sleep while surrounded by her children. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith, and she finished the course. Well done thy good and faithful servant!
Her life will be forever cherished by her family here on Earth. She leaves behind: her loving children, Laroy Martize Porter and Tanicka Sanders, both of Chicago, IL, and Krystal Porter of Manassas, VA; mother, Annie Mae Matlock; sisters, Patricia Matlock, Janice Wilson, sister-in-law Shirley Wilford, and brothers, Lathel Matlock (Patrice) and brother-in-law James Porter, all of Chicago, IL; three grandsons, Ashante Porter of Tempe, AZ, and Torien and Taharee Porter, both of Chicago, IL; one granddaughter, Kai Amor Harrison; nieces and nephews, Litanya (Jaton) Brown, Tamara (Stanley) Roberson, Trinetta (James) McCombs, Nikisha Thomas, Archie (Tamara) Matlock III, Lizzie Thomas, Joseph Wilson, Taquila Matlock, Tiara Wilson, Mya (Brandon) Dawson Sr., Archie (Tamara), Trinity, Zakiya, Tamiya, Kierra, Zhanai, Zion, and LaZaria Matlock; godchildren, Rosetta Stokes, Kristina, Angela and Michelle Fain, Close sister-cousins, Debra Jones and Jeanette Matlock; and a host of great- nieces and nephews, aunties and uncles, great-uncles and aunties, cousins, extended family, other relatives, friends, and her Jesus Christ Holy MB Church Family.
RUNETTA LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON MANY. SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

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