Visitation
Committal
Wanda L. Hilker Porterfield, 92, died Monday, November 21, 2022 at her home with her loving daughter, Rexene, at her side. Wanda was born in Martinsburg, WV on May 31, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Hess Hilker of Martinsburg, WV.
Mrs. Porterfield graduated from Martinsburg High school in Martinsburg, WV in 1948 and married her husband, the late Rex E. Porterfield on Nov. 18, 1950. They were married for almost 62 years at the time of his death in 2012.
Wanda attended Business College and worked as a secretary for Trinity UM Church in Martinsburg and later became a bank teller for CNB in Berkeley Springs, WV. While in Berkeley Springs, she helped her husband, Rex, to build their home in the mountains on 11 acres. She loved it there. However, they gave that up to move closer to their daughter, Rexene and her family.
Wanda had a lifelong passion for music especially church music. She loved singing. She was a strong alto and even sang bass in a ladies' quartet back in Berkeley Springs at First UM Church years ago. Wanda also played the piano, and she especially enjoyed singing with her husband, Rex.
Wanda had been a member of Burkemont Baptist Church in Morganton, NC since 1994 where she had been an active member singing in the choir, teaching adult Sunday School, and being involved in drama productions and Young At Hearts.
She loved being with people and making new friends. She was very outgoing. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was always sharing her baked goods with friends and neighbors.
Mrs. Porterfield was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She is survived by her daughter, Rexene Porterfield Jones and her husband, Dr. E. Bruce Jones, of Drexel, NC; grandson, Benjamin Jones and wife, Jessica and great-granddaughters, Madelyn, Mia and Charlotte of Seneca, SC; grandson, Derek Jones and wife, Christi and great-granddaughter, Kennedy of Hendersonville, NC; grandson, Dr. Garrett Jones and wife, Gina and great-grandson, Grant of Morgantown, WV and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Porterfield was preceded in death by an infant son, Jace Porterfield and two brothers, Bud Hilker and Kenny Hilker.
A memorial service of celebration of music will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton and Rev. Phillip Shepherd officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Amorem, 526 Pine Mountain Road, Hudson, NC 28638.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I was so sorry to hear of Wanda's passing. She was a wonderful, sweet, and beautiful lady. She had a great, strong alto voice. I enjoyed singing with her in the Burkemont choir and in dramas they presented. She will be greatly missed, but I know she is with her beloved Rex in heaven singing and rejoicing. Love and prayers to all the family. With deepest sympathy, Robin Hennessee Laffey
Rexene, so sorry for your loss. I am from Martinsburg, lived across from your Grandparents on Martin Street. Wanda was a beautiful person inside and out. She and your Dad were always so kind and friendly to us neighborhood kids. Remembering her fondly. You and your family are in my prayers.
Rexene and family, we are so sorry to hear your mom has passed from this life, but we know she is with GOD and singing her heart out with all the old familiar hymns! I well remember when she and your mom and dad were dating and would bring Aunt Mary and Uncle Arthur to visit Grandma and Grandaddy Hess on the farm near Downsville, MD on Sundays. I was about 10-11 years old then. They always had a stick of chewing gum for me! Our condolences and love to all at this time! JOYCE & FAMILY
She was a sweetheart and caring lady. She will be missed dearly.
Your parents were rare jewels and loved by so many! I have thought of your mother often and have even looked out into the congregation expecting to see her sitting in her pew. I so enjoyed being in choir with her as well and the dramas. I too am rejoicing knowing where she is and that I can see her again one day. The reunion that she and Rex must have had, priceless!!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your family.
so sorry for your loss
Your mother was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was one of the sweetest ladies at Burkemont , always so kind to me and my mama. May God give you all the parting grace and comfort you. Love and prayers, Linda Causby
Your Mom was an adored family member who had a sweet, gentle, and joyful nature. We had many fun times when our families gathered together, especially at the river. Her smile will always be remembered.