Mrs. Minnie Ruth Thrash

***FIRST UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH IS HOSTING SERVICES FOR THE FAMILY OF MINNIE RUTH THRASH***VISITATION & SERVICE TIMES ARE LISTED BELOW *****PLEASE NOTE: MASKS ARE STILL REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING THE CHURCH. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS ALSO STILL REQUIRED**** ---------------------------------------------- The Obituary Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No there's a cross for everyone and there was a cross for me! Our Mother, Minnie R. Thrash was birthed to the late William Garfield Portrum Sr. and Maggie Portrum on September 18, 1931 in Old Fort, North Carolina. After the loss of her mother at the early age of seven, her father moved his family to Allegan, Michigan in 1939 where he later remarried Deloris May-Portrum. Minnie and her siblings attended the Allegan Public School system. She was baptized along with her siblings at Grace Temple Community Church in Allegan where they were raised on strong Christian and moral values. As a young adult and mother, she moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1958 where she single-handedly raised her five children--oftentimes working numerous jobs to make ends meet to avoid the welfare system. Her home served as a gathering place where she and her sisters would sit around the kitchen table to socialize with other women and friends to discuss tough issues during a difficult era. As young children growing up with our cousins, we were always amazed with the level of wisdom, knowledge and responsibility that has helped mold us to become the adults we are today. In May of 1971, she was hired by the UpJohn Company (now Pfizer) where she worked as a Pill Packager for 21 years until she retired in 1992. Our Mother was an amazing woman that loved her family unconditionally and served as a mother figure to her nieces and nephews after the loss of her sister, Beatrice Hicks. Whoever she came into contact with, she poured into their lives and served as a positive influence, which are too many people to mention. Spending time with family and friends was a favorite past time for her She enjoyed dancing, drawing, playing cards, bingo and trips to the casino. She also loved fashions and would dress to the nines! Mom was a member of Galilee Baptist Church and served in the food pantry and sang in the Inspirational Choir. She was also a member of First United Baptist Church where she also sang in the choir and served in other ministries before joining Galilee. Minnie departed from her earthly vessel surrounded by family on Monday, July 5, 2021, in her home peacefully under the care of Hospice of SW Michigan after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Garfield Portrum Sr. and Maggie Portrum; bonus Mother, Deloris May Portrum; Grandchild, Michelle Thrash and Great Grandchild, Daymeon I. Little; Brothers Walter Portrum Sr., Larry Portrum, Melvin Portrum and William Portrum Jr.; Sisters, Beatrice Hicks and June Reid; two special nieces, Phyllis Hicks-Mills and Gail Hicks-Taylor; and a special cousin, Alice Gilbert. She leaves to cherish her memories: her Children, Kathryn (Lonnie Sr.) Haley; Charlene Taylor; Pamela (William) Roland; Ricky (Yvonne) Thrash; Rhonda (Robert "Sam") Little; one Sister, Janice Batiste of Los Angeles, CA; Grandchildren, Ennis II (Kim), Monique, Lonnie Jr. Daymeon, Marvella (Anthony), Nicole (Anthony), Ebony, Tyron Sr., Ricky Jr. (Ashlee), Dominick (Andrya), Terrence (Deanna), Rateya (Keith), Romeo (Amanda), Keisa and Kareem; Great Grandchildren: Whitney, Heaven, Ennis III ,Shaquayla Haley, Jeremiah, Laila, Madison, Myles, Aneah, Ariyanna, Damien Jr. Jaylen, Leah, Brooklyn, Ricky III, Jett, Te'asia, Keith Jr. Tyron Jr Keynijah, Anijah, Mya, Jayden, Carter and Eliana; Great Great Grandchildren, Trevon, Ava, Darrion, Maliah and Armon; special Niece and nephews: Crystal, Tommie, Melvin, Randy and Eric. Also, a host of nieces and nephews to include greats, cousins, other relatives and friends left to cherish her legacy. To our dear Aunt Mary Francis, we know that Mom's transition will be extremely difficult for you. Please know that we love you and will pray for your strength.

Mrs. Minnie Ruth Thrash

September 18, 1931 - July 5, 2021