Catherine Joanne Porter Hardee, 81, of Whiteville passed peacefully Tuesday night, May 14, 2024 at Shoreland Healthcare Center to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joanne was born September 18, 1942 in Kelly, NC (Bladen County) to the late Leslie Bush Porter and Mary Catherine Owen Porter.  Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her older brother, Mike Porter.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, David Paul Hardee; daughter - Tina H Bailey; son - Porter Hardee (Shannon); brother - Glenn Porter (Margaret); sisters - Sandra Allen (Mike), and Christy Mitchell (Scott); sister-in-law - JoRuth Porter; grandchildren - Mona Bailey, Parker Bailey, Dawson Hardee, and Gentry Hardee; nieces - Elizabeth Bryant, Paige Mileski, Heather Manypenny, and Mary Catherine Mitchell; nephews - Zach Allen, Preston Porter, Leslie Owen Porter, and Will Mitchell.

Joanne loved and was very devoted to her family.  She attended her week-long family reunion every year at White Lake, NC since her birth.  She was well known for her abilites as a hairdresser.  She loved all her customers dearly, and had many years of fond memories working alongside Betty Sue Kelly.

Joanne graciously served her church for years.  She was chairperson of "Hanging of the Greens" for 10 years; helped build 2 churches in Western NC and VA; taught Sunday School; sang in choir; headed/assisted many mission committees, including Samaritan's Purse, Wednesday night suppers, Operation InAsMuch, Backpack Ministry, to name a few.  She was also a part of The Friday Night Supper Club (close friends that have met every Friday night at Dales' Seafood for 40+years), a member of Town & Country Garden Club, Jr Woman's Club, & Red Hat Society.  She enjoyed shopping, snow skiing, traveling, entertaining, and giving to others.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday June 22, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church with the Dr. Fred Senter officiating. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior at 10:00am at the church.

Joanne's family would like to express their most sincere thank you for all the cards, calls, food, visits, and prayers.  In her words, "You are so KIND".

Memorials may be made to Western Prong Baptist Church at 167 Peacock Rd. Whiteville NC. 28472.