Myra Porter Smoot, 61, was born on September 20, 1961 to Henry F. Porter and Sarah Ruth Winchester Porter in Winston-Salem, NC. She moved to her Heavenly home on Monday, August 28, 2023, after a few days on in-home hospice care.

Mrs. Smoot was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools. She graduated from West Forsyth High School. Upon graduation, she chose to pursue a career in patient/client care in nursing homes, private medical facilities, and residences. Myra's jovial personality, genuine compassion for others, sense of humor, and testimony of the goodness of Jesus were valued by those she served and their families. In November 2000, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from former Governor James B. Hunt Jr for her "dedication to providing caring and supportive services that make quality of life possible for senior North Carolinians now living in skilled nursing facilities." A decade after receiving such esteemed acknowledgment, Myra attained an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting to enhance her contributions to patient care.

Mrs. Smoot was a loving, devoted, and doting wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She embodied her Christian walk daily as a faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her church family. She served as a willing vessel in many capacities. Until her health declined this year, Myra was active as a member of: Sunday School, WM Inspirational Choir, Mass Choir, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Nurses Ministry, Betty Johnson Salf of the Earth Missionary Ministry, and served as secretary of the Sunday School. Beyond blessing others with how she praised and worshipped, she also blessed others with her gift of crocheting. Many babies, seasoned saints, friends, and others literally are wrapping themselves in her love.

Mrs. Smoot was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sabrina Porter; a sister, Dolly Porter (infant); and three brothers, Curtis Porter, Kenneth Ingram and Keye Porter all of the city.

She leaves to cherish loving memories her husband of nearly 20 years, Dwight Smoot; two sons, Rico Porter of the city and Charles Porter of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Kedrick Gibson, Saharia Porter, Antwain Porter, Devon Plater, Antwain Porter, Jr., Sa'Miyah Evans, and Keyceon Gibson of the city; sister, Robin Pendleton of Delray Beach, FL; one nephew, Kenneth Ingram, Jr.; one aunt, Jessie Porter of Greensboro, NC; one uncle, Herbert Winchester of High Point, NC; one Goddaughter, Nautica Washington; a special friend, Janice Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12noon Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Dwight Hash, Sr. officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.