Joette Mapp

Joette Gladys Porterfield Mapp, a devoted mother, educator, and woman known for her fun-loving spirit and deeply caring nature, was born on May 5, 1947, in Oakland, California, to the proud parents Joe and Johnette Porterfield.

At the tender age of twelve, Joette accepted Christ as her Savior on September 6, 1959, at King Solomon Baptist Church in Natchez, Mississippi. She later continued her spiritual journey alongside her family at Beulah Baptist Church, where her faith was nurtured and remained an important part of her life.

On May 4, 2026, Joette peacefully transitioned at the age of 78 after a courageous and grace-filled battle with cancer. She departed this life quietly, yet the impact of her presence will echo for generations.

Joette was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joe and Johnette Porterfield, and her cherished grandmother, Sarah Melton.

She leaves to celebrate her life and carry forward her legacy: her loving daughter, Natasha Grimsley (Jim); her treasured granddaughters, Anne and Nora; her caring sister, Jacqueline P. Miller of Houston, Texas; her brother, Joe M. Porterfield (Doris); three nieces, three nephews; a host of devoted stepchildren; a host of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with a multitude of extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love, laughter, and presence.

As the eldest of three children, Joette naturally embraced a role of strength, guidance, and responsibility. She was a proud graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School, Class of 1965. With determination and a passion for learning, she continued her education at Alcorn University in Lorman, Mississippi, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, an achievement that reflected her lifelong commitment to growth and excellence.

Joette carried her passion for education back to Oakland, California, where she followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a dedicated educator. She was more than a teacher, she was a mentor, encourager, and a steady source of support to countless students whose lives she helped shape. It was also in Oakland that she met and married Curtis Mapp, building a life rooted in love and family. In her later years, she made her home in Dayton, Ohio.

Joette will be remembered for her warm heart, her joyful spirit, and the way she could light up a room with her presence. She loved deeply, gave freely, and had a special gift for making others feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her laughter, her wisdom, and her kindness will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy lives on, in every lesson she taught, every life she touched, and every heart she uplifted.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love everlasting.

A visitation will take place on May 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Paul R. Young Funeral Home - Mt Healthy. A funeral service will immediately follow, with interment at Crown Hill Memorial Park. After the burial, a reception will be held to which all are cordially invited to join the family in fellowship and remembrance.

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