Patricia Ann Curry-Porter

Patricia A. Curry-Porter was called home to Glory and joined the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” on February 19, 2022. Her love, support, and commitment to her family were only exceeded by her faith, belief, and love for our Heavenly Father who she now joins.

Patricia was born October 12, 1954, in Camden Arkansas to the late Clarence H. Curry, Sr., and Mary E. (Davis) Curry. She was the second child of three to this couple. The Church was an omnipresent part of her life from birth. Her parents were active members of the Eleventh Street Baptist Church, Texarkana Arkansas serving as Deacon, Usher Board, and were active in the life of the Church. She became active and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age at Eleventh Street Baptist Church.

Following high school graduation from Arkansas High School, Texarkana, Arkansas, Patricia attended Henderson State University (HSU) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in December of 1975. During her collegiate days, along with 18 other young ladies, she became a charter member of the Theta Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in the fall of 1973. Most recently she was affiliated with Beta Pi Omega Graduate Chapter, located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

After Patricia completed her degree at HSU, her first employment was with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. Later she would make a career move to work in her field of study. Patricia began a rewarding 36 years career at Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Delayed, Inc. (AEDD). Before her retirement in 2020, she had advanced to the position of Clinical Director of the agency.

She embarked on a lifelong commitment to working to ensure the dignity of those often “left behind”. Her work was “Faith in Action” and her career blossomed. Patricia met and married Carl Desmuke. To this union two children were born, Laquita Desmuke and Carl Desmuke, Jr.

Patricia loved to shop and was the ultimate “fashionista”. She was always impeccably dressed. Whether attending a formal affair, church, or a trip to the grocery store, she never left home without her jewelry and signature 5-inch stilettos. In addition to spending time with family, she loved to travel, dance, and fellowship with her “line sisters” and friends.

From childhood through adulthood, Patricia was always affiliated with a body of believers. She was active in every church serving in any capacity needed. In 2006, Patricia accepted the call to become the pastor of Grace Fellowship in Forrest City, Arkansas. Patricia loved serving the Lord and the members of her congregation. She served faithfully until her health failed and she could no longer attend. Her current membership was with Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

One attribute that stood out about Patricia is her commitment. She was truly committed to serving God, her family, and her fellow man. In keeping with her commitment to service, Patricia was an active member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, Little Rock Chapter. She will be sorely missed by family, church family, friends, colleagues, and any life that she touched.

In addition to her loving husband, William Porter, Patricia leaves a loving legacy with two beautiful children, LaQuita Desmuke and Carl Desmuke, Jr. (Caprisha) of Jacksonville, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Lakaia Massey, Tyler Calvin, and Tyriah Burley; and one great-grandchild, Alaiya Holmes; one brother, Clarence Curry, Jr. (Brenda) of Boonton, New Jersey; and sister, Shirley Curry of Maumelle, Arkansas. She also leaves two nephews and two nieces along with a caravan of other beloved relatives; Donna Muldrew, a special sister/friend; the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the staff of AEDD. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Clarence H. Curry, Sr., and Mary E. Davis Curry.

Pallbearers will be Sean Curry, Ralph Hopes, Jeffery Nelson, Wrayborn Desmuke, Jr., Michale Desmuke, Jr., and Dewayne Scott. Honorable to mention are Carl Desmuke, Sr., Michael Talley, Reginald Johnson, Frank Taylor, Darnell Taylor, and Edward Taylor.

Public viewing will be Friday morning at 10 am at the church. A celebration of her life will be shared with family and friends on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church with Dr. Clifton A. Conley, pastor and eulogist. Interment will be at Arkansas Memorial Gardens.