Katherine I. LaPorte, of Elizabethton, passed away Monday, December 3, 2018, at Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City following a brief illness. She was born in Matewan, W.Va., and was the daughter of the late Charlie and Georgia Chafin Isaacs. She grew up in Avery County, N.C., during her childhood.
Katherine was a devoted member of the Elizabethton First United Methodist Church and loved all of her church family. She was the matron and glue of the Joe LaPorte Family. She was a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren. She was always positive, humble and kind, despite raising four sons and “innumerable unofficial stepchildren.”
She dearly loved her family to a fault. She was a member of Circle 6 of the First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton Women’s Civic Club, Friends of the The Library, Elizabethton Dance Club and the Elizabethton Book Club. Katherine was a charter board member of Citco Bank Shares.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe LaPorte Jr., on September 20, 1988.
She is survived by four sons and their wives, Sam (Marlo) LaPorte, Chris (Quinita) LaPorte of Houston, Steve (Liz) LaPorte of Houston, and Joe (Hope) LaPorte III; 10 grandchildren, Katie Dodson, Drew (Robin) LaPorte, Brittany (Steven) Douglas, Jessica LaPorte, Kimberly LaPorte, Cori LaPorte, Jake LaPorte, Joseph LaPorte, Alex LaPorte and Catherine LaPorte; three great-grandchildren, Leighlyn and Brooke Douglas and Cooper LaPorte; and a special brother-in-law, Charles “Dude” (Darlene) LaPorte. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends Thursday, December 6, at First United Methodist Church from 4:30 until 7 p.m. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, December 7, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Raymond Amos Sr. officiating. Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in memory of Katherine be made to the Parlor or Youth Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 325 East E. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the charity of your choice. The family extends a special thank you to her loving caregivers, Mary Johnson and Judy Crouch, for their kindness to Katherine during the past few years. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website,www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. LaPorte and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information and Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.