Pastor Harriette J. Portrum

January 25, 1937 - April 29, 2018

On April 29 2018, surrounded by her family Pastor Harriette J. Portrum closed her eyes here on earth and opened them in Paradise. She was born the 7th of 10 children to Edward and Hester Gant on January 25. 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1956, Harriette met and married Ralph Nabors, and to this union five children were born: Robert (Missy), Victoria, Gregory, Camille and Karen (Charles). In 1983, Harriette met and married William (Bill) Portrum creating a blended family with his children Faith, Sylvia (Richard), Phillip (Cindy) and Ralph. In 1991, she became the Pastor of Grace Temple Community Church until she retired in 2017. Harriette has been a staple to the community over the past 34 years. She spent her time making baked goods with her husband, mentoring the youth as well as helping those in need. Harriette loved to serve others as much as she loved to serve the Lord! She served on the board of Allegan County as Chaplain and served with the county jail prison ministry. She and Bill often filled their van with bread donated to her from The Hostess Bread Company and Nestle Water Company and many other commodities to pass out to the needy on Saturdays. As a Pastor she was a motivational speaker, a prayer warrior, preacher and mentor. She also received a civic award from the County of Allegan. She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Portrum; her son, Robert; her parents; Edward and Hester Gant; 7 of her siblings: Leonard, Charles, Edward, Mary, Richard, Harold (her twin brother) and Carl. Along with her children, Harriette leaves to cherish her memory, two remaining siblings, Mildred (Angus) and Betty (Monroe); 32 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and a very special nurse and friend, Linda Cook. She will be greatly missed by her family friends and her Grace Temple Community Church Family.