Donna M. Porter

Donna M. Porter, 76, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18th, 2026. A native of Asheville, Donna was born on June 22nd, 1949, to the late Margaret Kathryn Graham and Robert Lee Cope, Jr. During her youth, Donna and her family moved to Thomasville, GA, where Donna was raised and spent her formative years. She graduated from Central High School in Thomas County, GA in 1967, and subsequently attended Valdosta State College where she obtained a degree in medical technology. Donna returned to Asheville in 1970, where she worked at Mission Hospital for many years as a medical technologist and phlebotomist. Donna married the love of her life, Dr. Cedric W. Porter, Jr., in 1986. She was the office manager at Victoria Women's Services from 1990-2000, where she worked alongside her husband Cedric until her retirement. Donna will be remembered as a caring and generous person, who loved spending time with her family. Donna especially enjoyed being around children, taking great pride in her role as a mother and grandmother. Donna was a fantastic chef, and often showed her love by cooking memorable meals for friends and family. Socially, she had a witty and playful sense of humor. She loved laughter, telling jokes, and sharing stories. She was the life of every party. Donna also enjoyed singing, and she participated in many musical performances in high school. She could often be found listening to her favorite musician, Patsy Cline. She traveled the world with her husband, Cedric. She seemed most at peace vacationing at Kiawah Island, SC, where she made many cherished memories with family and friends. She could often be seen riding around town with the family dog Princess, whom she adored. She spent the last years of her life at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community in Asheville. Donna was preceded in death by her father, Robert L. Cope, Jr.; her mother, Margaret K. Graham; her brother, Robert L. Cope III; and her devoted husband, Dr. Cedric W. Porter, Jr. Donna is survived by her son, Dr. Joshua G. Porter (Carolina); stepchildren, Cedric W. Porter, III, Sarah E. Porter Springer (Philipp), and Rodney H. Porter (Jennie); grandchildren, Benjamin Porter, Christina Porter, Samuel Porter; step-grandchildren, George Porter, Tedford Porter, Julian Springer, and Leah Springer; and a niece, Kimberly C. Carter. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Donna’s honor at St. Giles Chapel on the campus of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, 1617 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC, 28803. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. Plans for the memorial service to be recorded and available to watch on this obituary page are being finalized. A live stream link for the service may also be available.

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Donna M. Porter

June 22, 1949 - January 18, 2026