Helaine Linez Portis, affectionately known as Lynn, was born in Akron, Ohio on May 3, 1966. A product of the Akron Public Schools, Lynn graduated from Central-Hower High School, with honors, in 1984. Lynn attended The University of Akron, where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on June 2, 1985. Lynn worked as an information technology systems administrator and administrative assistant at Cohen & Company for 23 years.

Lynn was a member of Arlington Church of God, where she lent her strong tenor voice to the mass choir, chancel choir and women’s choir. Lynn was a participant in Akron’s Gospel Meets Symphony Chorus from 1996 to 2000. Lynn had a heart for working with young people, which was evident through her volunteer work with the Youth Excellence Performing Arts Workshop (YEPAW). Lynn served on the Executive Committee in a variety of capacities over the years, most notably as the Publications Coordinator.

Lynn loved line dancing and cooking for her family—especially making her famous macaroni and cheese. She also enjoyed reading John Grisham and James Patterson novels. While Lynn was known for having a no-nonsense attitude and never being afraid to speak her mind, she had a beautiful, warm smile and an infectious laugh. Lynn was strong-willed…full of tenacity, determination, and perseverance.

Lynn, while surrounded by family and friends, was called home to be with the Lord on December 28, 2017. Lynn leaves her beloved children, Tyrese Crooks, Tamara Portis, and Timothy Portis II; and granddaughter, Azaria Crooks. Lynn also leaves her siblings Vincent Curry, Yvette Curry, Ralph Hinton Jr., Rebecca Hinton, Sharonda Sammons, and Tammi Griffin-Williams. Also left to cherish her memory are her sister-cousins Stacy (Jerry) Griffin and Tracy Chappell; brother-cousin Thomas (Bernadette) Woods; adopted mother Bernetta Curry; and special aunt, JoAnn Woods. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Clark and Melvin Hinton; a sister, Regina Hinton; and her adopted father, Thomas Curry. Lynn is also survived by a host of other family members and loved ones.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8