Obituary of Elsie Wells Porter

Elsie Wells Porter, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 86. Born April 15, 1937, in Blackville, SC,  she was the daughter of the late Robert and Bertha Proctor Wells and was a graduate of Blackville High School.  

Following her marriage to Albert Eugene Abbott in 1957, Elsie and Albert moved to Columbia, SC, where they raised their four children.  Elsie spent most of her working years in food service working at the Michelin cafeteria, Brookland-Cayce High School, and finally at BC Grammar School. She also did private catering and volunteered countless hours preparing Wednesday night suppers for the members of Crescent Hill Baptist Church. 

Some of Elsie’s favorite things to do were fishing, sewing, camping, playing bingo, traveling, watching the Gamecocks,

and spending time with friends and family.  Her greatest joy, though, was cooking and baking goodies for those she loved. No one ever left one of her tables disappointed or hungry! 

Elsie was kind-hearted and fun-loving with a gentle spirit.  Her sweet smile was infectious and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Elsie is survived by daughters, Linda Bray and Gail Fallaw both of Lexington; son, Rob (Ginger) Abbott of Lexington; grandsons Shane (Sylvia) Fallaw of Lexington, Adam (Jessica) Fallaw of Lexington, Jason (Amanda) Dixon of Clarksville, TN, and Tyler (Ariel) Bray of Lexington; granddaughter, Rachel Abbott (Nick) Snelling of Lexington; six great-granddaughters (Bailey, Ella, and Madelyn Fallaw and Chloe, Madison and Ella Dixon); one great-grandson (Brayden Jeffcoat). She is also survived by a brother, George (Linda Kaye) Wells of Blackville, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Elsie was predeceased by her daughter, Norma Jean Dixon; brothers Lloyd Wells and Robert (Bob) Wells; and sister, Gertrude Croft.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 19, 2024, from 12:00-2:00 p.m., at Thompson Funeral Home on Augusta Highway in Lexington. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.  Burial will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Garden in Columbia.

Memorials may be made to Crosspointe Church of Lexington, PO Box 2082, Lexington, SC, 29071.