“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

On the peaceful morning of June 24, 2026, God gently called His beloved daughter, Jancinda Shawnell “Nell” Portley, from labor to reward. Surrounded by His perfect love and everlasting peace, she accepted His invitation into eternal life, where pain has no place, tears are wiped away, and joy knows no end. There, she was lovingly reunited with her parents and her cherished son, embracing the promise she had faithfully believed throughout her life.

Jancinda Shawnell Portley was born on March 15, 1966, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Johnny Rogers Portley and Mary Templeton Portley. She was the youngest of five children and, from the very beginning, possessed a vibrant spirit that brought warmth, laughter, and life wherever she went.

Nell began her educational journey in Wichita, Ks attending Carter Elementary School, continued to Truesdell Junior High School, and proudly graduated from Wichita South High School with the Class of 1984. Whether she was dancing during pep rallies, cheering at basketball games, or simply spending time with friends, Nell’s infectious smile and joyful personality made every gathering brighter. If Nell were present, everyone knew there would be laughter, fellowship, and unforgettable memories.

Determined to pursue her calling, she continued her education at Wichita Area Vocational-Technical School, where she earned her diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and later attended Butler County Community College. Nursing was far more than an occupation to Nell; it was her ministry, her purpose, and her calling from God.

For nearly 40 years, she faithfully cared for countless patients with extraordinary compassion and unwavering dedication. Her specialty in wound care earned the respect of fellow healthcare professionals, making her one of the most trusted nurses in her field. Yet what truly distinguished Nell was not simply her clinical skill, but her heart.

She cared for people beyond the bedside. She often delivered groceries, holiday meals, encouragement, and heartfelt prayers to patients in need. Even while battling her own illness, she never stopped teaching. From her own hospital room, she continued mentoring younger nurses, demonstrating proper wound care techniques and encouraging them to serve with excellence and compassion.

The day illness overtook her own body, Nell remained more concerned about the well-being of her patient than herself. That selfless act perfectly reflected the woman she had always been.

She often reminded others, “Nursing is a ministry, not just a career.” She lived those words every single day, allowing God to use her hands to bring healing, comfort, hope, and dignity to those entrusted to her care.

Faith was the foundation of Nell’s life.

As a child, she was baptized into the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and grew up attending Saint Matthew CME Church in Wichita, Kansas. She faithfully served in numerous ministries, including the Children’s Choir, Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF), Youth Choir, Young Adult Choir, and the Missionary Society. Serving God was simply part of who she was, a legacy lovingly instilled by her parents.

As an adult, Nell became a member of Dell Rose United Methodist Church, where her beautiful soprano voice became a blessing to the congregation. Frequently asked to sing solos, she ministered through songs such as “Christ Is All,” “Been There, Done That,” “Peace Be Still,” and “I Love to Praise Him.” When Nell sang, she didn’t simply perform she worshipped. Her voice reflected her love for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

After relocating to Texas, Nell and her beloved son became faithful members of Hill Chapel CME Church in Plano under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cassandry Keys Jones. She faithfully served in the choir and quickly became affectionately known by the children as “The Candy Lady,” always greeting them with treats, hugs, and an abundance of love.

Although Nell accomplished many wonderful things throughout her life, nothing brought her greater joy than becoming the mother of her beloved son, Jarriel Rashawn Portley, affectionately known as “Puba.” He was her greatest blessing, her best friend, and the light of her life. Everything she did was motivated by the love she had for him, and she never missed an opportunity to tell others how thankful she was that God entrusted her with the privilege of being his mother.

Another story she delighted in telling was how she unknowingly became the family matchmaker.

She proudly claimed responsibility for introducing her older brother, David Portley, to the love of his life, Candyce Clay-Portley, after insisting that David give her and Candyce a ride home following a Wichita South High basketball game. Never one to take “no” for an answer, Nell famously threatened to “pee in the back seat” of David’s Camaro if he refused to take her home, first creating just enough time for David and Candyce to begin what would become a beautiful love story spanning more than four decades.

Nell never let anyone forget that she had orchestrated it all. With great pride and plenty of laughter, she often reminded family members that because of her persistence, there was now a wonderful marriage, a beautiful niece named DaLisa, and generations of family still

being blessed today. She even insisted that DaLisa receive the middle name Shawnell in honor of her matchmaking efforts. With her unmistakable sense of humor, she would say, “Without me, there wouldn’t be a ‘them!’”

Nell truly believed she had earned the title of the family’s official matchmaker of 1982, and everyone who knew her lovingly agreed.

Outside of nursing, Nell embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved spending time with her mother and son, exploring new restaurants, attending grand openings, enjoying spa days at her favorite nail salon, visiting the casino, shopping on Amazon, collecting her favorite DOTS candy, and keeping enough bottled water and meat stocked away to survive any emergency from tornado season to what she jokingly called “the apocalypse.”

For more than fifteen years, Dallas, Texas, became home, and she thoroughly enjoyed discovering everything the city had to offer.

Those closest to Nell knew her by many affectionate nicknames: Nell, Jancy P., J., J.P Diva, and perhaps her favorite of all, “Big Sexy,” the playful name her brother David lovingly called her. She knew immediately that if he greeted her differently, she might be in trouble.

Nell’s sense of humor was unmatched. Her laughter was contagious, her generosity limitless, and her love unforgettable.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Johnny Rogers Portley and Mary Templeton Portley; her treasured son, Jarriel Rashawn Portley; her brothers, Michael Portley, Sr. and Darryl Portley; and her brother-in-law, Michael Copeland, Sr.

She leaves to celebrate her remarkable life and cherish countless precious memories her devoted brother, David Portley, Sr. (Candyce); her loving sister, Deborah Copeland; her uncle, Milton Portley (Ruby) of Longview, Texas; her aunt, Lola Fraser (Michael) of Kilgore, Texas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, Among her greatest earthly joys was her first great-great-niece, Jhani Portley, lovingly nicknamed “Chubby” by Nell. She affectionately called herself “Auntie-Granny,” a title she wore with tremendous pride and endless love.

Above all else, Nell was a woman whose faith never wavered.

Throughout the final chapter of her earthly journey, she continually encouraged those around her instead of asking to be encouraged herself. During many conversations with her beloved niece, DaLisa, she would gently smile and say:

“Pretty, I’m okay. If I live, I win. If I die, I still win, because I know God has always been ahead of me and the Head of my life.”

Those words became the testimony by which she lived.

Even during the most difficult days of illness, gratitude never left her heart. She continually praised God for His grace, His favor, and His faithfulness.

Her final words on this side of eternity were:

“I am not in pain.”

Those simple words brought peace to every heart that loved her, reminding us that she had finally entered the eternal rest she had long believed awaited her.

Nell’s earthly race has ended, but her testimony continues. Her legacy lives on through every life she healed, every soul she encouraged, every family member she loved, every song she sang, and every prayer she prayed.

Though our hearts grieve, we rejoice knowing that her victory is complete.

She fought the good fight.

She finished her course.

She kept the faith.

And now she rests safely in the loving arms of her Savior.

“To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)