Jerome Portis

Jerome Portis

Rochester - Jerome Portis, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at New Hope Evangelical Church, 464 Hawley Street, Rochester, NY. Jerome's funeral service will follow the visitation at the church. The burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, 2650 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612.. Following Jerome's burial, the repass will be at Gates Memorial Park, 160 Spencerport Road, Gates, NY 14606.

Jerome was born on Wednesday, March 16, 1960, in Rochester, NY, the son of the late Cornelius Burke Jr. and Claudia (Thomas) Portis. He spent his life in the Rochester area and graduated from East High School. Following graduation, Jerome enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably until his discharge.

He worked as a supervisor at Metal Preparations until his health led him to retire. Known as the life of the party, Jerome loved spending time with friends, making people laugh, and sharing his vibrant spirit. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and being with family. Jerome was always honest—if you didn’t want to hear the truth, it was best not to ask him.

Jerome will be remembered by his wife of twenty-nine years, Anita Wellborn; his children Quetisha Monique, Cory Parks, Lannique, Akyra Ashley, Brittaney George and Candice Ashley; his grandchildren Amouri George, Aminah George, Zaire Howell, Davihon Henderson, Micah Henderson, Caydence Lingo, Gracie Ashley, Caylan Bradley and Cory Jr.; step-children, Michael Wellborn, Maurice Brooks, Nakeeta Brooks, and Roosevelt Brooks, IV; step-grandchildren, Breon, Tyrell, Diamond, Amira, Jkayra, Sanyia, Maurice Jr., Royalty Brooks, Princess; a brother, Cornelius Portis; a sister, Lisa Portis; sisters-in-law, Wendolyn Jackson, Cynthia Wellborn, and Camille Wellborn; his father-in-law, Marshall Welborn; his uncle, John Thomas Portis; many nieces and nephews.
 
Jerome was predeceased by a daughter, Jerese Portis; his siblings Tanya Portis, Sunny Portis, David Portis, and Claudia (Anthony) Wilson-Ussery; his mother-in-law, Eva Wellborn. 
 
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www.watermanfuneralhome.com
 

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