Joann Portee

Joan Portee, age 88, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Visitations will be held Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am at Mackenzie Terrace Baptist Church. Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 am. Private Disposition under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Born on November 29, 1936, in Palestine, Texas (Anderson County), she was the beloved daughter of the late Jim Lagrone and Manervia Smith. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Ruth, Thelma, Pearl, Elizabeth (“Liza”), and her brother J.T.; her daughter Martha; granddaughter Latasha; husband Roosevelt Sr.; and grandson Jeremy.

On November 30, 1954, Joan married Roosevelt Portee, Sr. Their union was blessed with six children: Martha, Roosevelt Jr., David Lee, Lonnie Mac, Angie, and Andrew. Joan and Roosevelt shared 63 years of devoted marriage, building a legacy of love and family.

Joan was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She was employed at the Lubbock Oil Mill, Lubbock State School, and Highland Hospital. In addition to her professional work, Joan served many families who cherished her as much as she cherished them. Her kindness, reliability, and generosity touched countless lives.

Joan was truly a blessing to her family, friends, and co-workers. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, known for her zest for life, love of travel, and witty sense of humor. Joan was fiercely independent and dependable, always proving that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Her sweet potato pie, cornbread dressing and giblet gravy became legendary among those who were blessed to enjoy it.

A faithful member of Faith First Baptist Church, Joan sang in the choir and served in various ministries. Her genuine smile, joyful spirit, and sense of humor will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and church. She was a woman of remarkable strength, both spiritually and physically.

Joan’s memory will be lovingly carried on by her children, Roosevelt Jr. of Lubbock; David (Nicole) of Kernersville, NC; Lonnie Mac (Yari) of Douglasville, GA; Andrew of New Orleans, LA and Angie Evans (Bobby Sr.) of Paducah, TX. Her grandchildren; Frederick (Brandi), Jasmine, Alex (Brittany), Tramayne (Shayla), Quincy, Breona, LaSherria, David, Andrew, Armanni, Novella, Bobby Jr., and Anthony.

Her 26 great-grandchildren; Anderson, Jayden, Jaycee, Desmond, Desire, Destiny, Jabari, Jabrayee, Na’Laysia, Jkai, Autymn, Jeshurun, Aiden, Devin, Declan, Kasen, Isabell, Zayden, Jarvis, Jada, Quinn, Layla, Eli’Ja, Tajh, and Maia.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lula Fike of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, Lonnie Ray (LaGloria) and Becky Rae of Lubbock; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and her cherished church family.

Joan Portee’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.