Mrs. Portia Denice McDaniel Parris peacefully transitioned from her earthly home on Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Greensboro, North Carolina.   Memorial services will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA, 2630 E. Florida Street, Greensboro, NC with Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Bryant serving as Eulogist.

Mother, Helper, Giver, Lover of Mankind, Servant, and Friend

Born on July 7, 1956 in Reidsville, North Carolina to the late Walter Price Rhett and Helen Rosetta McDaniel, Portia was the only child of Helen and the youngest of Walter. She peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 14, 2021 with her loving daughters surrounding her.

Portia was baptized at an early age. A faithful member of First Baptist Church, she served on the Culinary Committee, Missionary Group #6, and "sang in the choir on special occasions".

Graduating from Reidsville Senior High School in 1974, she later matriculated at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina majoring in political science.

"Niecey", as she was affectionately called, retired from the Reidsville Public Library after more than 25 years of employment. It was during this time that she developed an unquenchable thirst for the literary arts, poetry, as well as fiction and non-fiction works by authors from all walks of life. It was also during this tenure that she developed her love for helping children - a gift that kept on giving! Her dedication and commitment to helping children in her community carried over into her most recent employment at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA in Greensboro, NC as the Executive Director of the Achiever's Program. Simultaneously, she also served as Director of the Reidsville Teen Center – Reidsville Parks and Recreation Department.

As a pillar of the Reidsville community, she tirelessly served on numerous boards in various capacities, including but not limited to: Rockingham County Help for Homeless (former chairperson), Lillian H. McLaurin Good Neighbor Association Board of Directors (secretary), Reidsville Outreach Center (vice-president), Moss Street Partnership Community Council, Reidsville Human Relations Council (founding member), Women's Resource Center (founding member), and the Racial Equity Learning Community. She was very much involved in voter outreach efforts within the Reidsville community and was instrumental in the election of many city and county officials while acting as campaign manager. Portia was a dedicated member of the Beauty of Reidsville Chapter #477, Order of Eastern Star – PHA where she served as Past Worthy Matron and at the grand level as Grand Newsletter Chair.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 40 years, Reginald Parris.

She leaves to cherish precious memories: loving daughters, Pia Parris (Curtis "PJ" Slade) of Greensboro, NC and Caryh Parris of Reidsville, NC; brothers, Michael Rhett of Columbus, OH and Walter Rhett of Summerville, SC; uncle, Walter McKinney (Barbara) of Upper Marlboro, MD; brothers-in-law, Jose Parris (Dorothy), Darryl Parris, and Jeffrey Parris all of Eden, NC; special friends, Tamar Lipscomb, Gregory and Tynesha Cobb all of Reidsville, NC, and Dr. Denise White of Greensboro, NC; her OES sisStars; and a plethora of other relatives and dear friends.

Like a faithful friend, Portia brought laughter, humor, and joy to those she met. She was generous to a fault and helped until it hurt. Portia had a genuine heart and will be deeply missed.

Ashton and Yolanda McLaurin and the staff of the McLaurin Funeral Home are serving the family. Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.

At the designated date and time, you may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.  To join via YouTube click here