It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Porterfield on May 15, 2025 at the age of 93 with her daughters by her side. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Carol was born on May 10, 1932 in Brooklyn, Michigan to Frank Brown and Laverne Thatcher Brown. Carol was a graduate of Columbia Central High School, Class of 1950.
She worked at Ford Motor Company, Brooklyn, MI, where she met Jack Porterfield of Onsted, MI. Jack and Carol were happily married for 58 years. They were devoted to their two daughters and together they enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching Tiger baseball and spending time together as a family.
Carol was known for her sunny disposition and for always being sweet and loving to others. In high school Carol played the trumpet in the band. After participating in a band festival in Holland, Michigan, she had a life long love of hearing a marching band. Carol started a house cleaning business with her best friend which lasted many years with Carol retiring at the age of 83. She was known for her amazing macaroni and cheese, which was requested at all family gatherings. She had a gift of making connections with people very quickly and was loved by everyone who knew her. Above all, Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her world revolved around taking care of those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Porterfield, sisters, Audrey Woods, Elaine Thompson, Janet Miller, and brother Keith Brown. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Phil) Erickson and Laurie (Jon) Church, grandsons, Phil (Mike) Erickson, Jack (Christie) Erickson, Ryan (Jessica) Erickson, Logan (Tiffany) Church, and Connor Church, great-grandchildren, William Erickson, Nathan Erickson, Charlotte Erickson, Luke Erickson, and Emmett Erickson, and many nieces and nephews.
Carol’s family would like to give special thanks to Step Ahead Podiatry, Elara Caring and the staff at Chelsea Hospital. These caregivers were very special to Carol and she was so grateful for all the kindness and care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be given to curesma.org. Cure SMA is an organization that supports people with spinal muscular atrophy.
A celebration of Life will take place on May 31st at the Village Venue located at 166 West Michigan Ave, Clinton, Michigan ( formerly St. Dominic’s Hall) . The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 noon and a luncheon provided after the memorial.