Ms. Annette Marie (Porterfield) Kellum

Our beloved, Annette Marie (Porterfield) Kellum passed away suddenly on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the age of 65 years. She was born May 11, 1948 to the union of the late Bernard and Dorothy Ann Porterfield in Saginaw, Michigan. In 1966, Annette graduated from Saginaw High School. She received an Associate’s Degree from Delta College and attended Saginaw Valley State College. Annette was the former wife of Woodrow Kellum, and from that union two beautiful children were born; Woodrow Romon Kellum and LaTara Kellum Brown. In 1993, Annette retired from General Motors as an accountant. In her spare time she did bookkeeping and tax preparation. After retirement, she returned to the non-profit sector; an area in which she had worked in the 1970’s. She worked for companies such as CAC and First Ward Community Center because she had a strong desire to serve the community. When her aunt and spiritual mentor, the late Betty Martin became ill, she assumed the role of Executive Director for the Betty J. Martin Restoration Community Outreach Center (RCO) for several years; a homeless shelter for men. Annette was an advocate for the homeless and those suffering from mental illness. She was very successful at writing non-profit grants for various organizations. She wrote the grant that funded the bed expansion at RCO. She had dreams of becoming an author and always encouraged others to pursue their dreams. She began writing a book on mental illness in the African American community. Annette understood the importance of a solid relationship with the Lord. In her early years, her search began at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was baptized at Faith Harvest Church, but she eventually joined the Bethel AME Church family where she remained for many years. Wonderful memories will always be cherished by her children, her son, Woodrow Romon Kellum of Lansing, MI; her daughter, LaTara Kellum Brown (Eric) of Canton, MI; her grandchildren, Jalen and Jocelyn Brown of Canton, MI and Isaiah Kellum of Lansing, MI; her sisters, Sandra Hill, Donna Porterfield and Diane Porterfield, all of Saginaw, MI; one brother, Ronald Porterfield of Grand Rapids, MI; a special uncle, Omowale Art Smith of Saginaw, MI; a special aunt, Maggie Oates of Saginaw, MI; a special niece, Ashaki Porterfield of Saginaw, MI; two special mentors, Lucille Porterfield of Detroit, MI and Elsenia Porterfield of Saginaw, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James E. and Corrine Smith; parents, Bernard and Dorothy Ann Porterfield; brother, Bernard, Jr.; two aunts, Betty Martin and Mae Francis; two uncles, James Smith and Charles Smith; and one great-uncle, Charles Butler; two cousins, Kenneth and Rico Martin; and a special mentor, Nellie J. Brooks. Annette was a very outspoken but compassionate person. She loved reading her bible and engaging in conversations about current affairs, education, business and politics. In her spare time, she loved going to the spa and swimming for relaxation. She also loved her family dearly and was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Family hour will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay Street, with the memorial service commencing at 12:00 noon. Pastor P. David Saunders will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service.

Ms. Annette Marie (Porterfield) Kellum

May 11, 1948 - June 7, 2013