Elizabeth Tomaya Porter

Elizabeth Tomaya “Honey” Porter, 81, of Wilbraham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of the late Graham Hervey Jenkins, 1st Lieutenant of the 366th Regiment, and Elizabeth Tomaya (Miranda) Jenkins. After her father died in the war, her mother remarried. Tomaya was raised in Philadelphia and New York by her mother and dad, the late Robert Peacock, a World War II veteran. She relocated to Wilbraham, MA, in 1974, where she raised her family with her husband, Ronald N. Porter. They were married for 59 years.
Over the years, she worked alongside her husband in multiple family-owned businesses. They spent many years in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business before expanding to janitorial services and then interior and exterior painting. Additionally, Tomaya worked for many years in the cosmetics department of G. Fox before moving on to the textile department at Filene’s and Macy’s department stores.
Tomaya was an avid classic movie fan, often filling her downtime with multiple viewings of her favorite Bogey & Bacall, Tracy & Hepburn, or Bette Davis films. She was also an avid science fiction fan with a deep knowledge of all things Star Trek and Star Wars. In her later years, she discovered a love for Harry Potter, as well as the childhood innocence and comedic ease found in SpongeBob SquarePants and Bob’s Burgers. Her passion for and skill at cooking was mirrored in her zest for cooking shows. Her creative side shone through no more elegantly in a home-cooked dish than it did on the canvas, as she was a talented painter. She has left her artistic presence in oil paintings that adorn both the walls of her home and those of others.
Tomaya loved life! Her ever-energetic personality brought joy and enthusiasm to people of all ages. People were touched by her presence and often regarded her as a “vibrant” person who was a “ray of sunshine.” Her sense of style was flash and flare, accessorized with healthy doses of hipster. She was earnest in her dedication to helping those in need. She regularly donated to the Springfield Rescue Mission and St. Joseph’s Indian School. She was silly, honest, passionate, carefree, and dedicated to those she loved. She regarded her grandchildren as her “treasures.”
In addition to her parents, Tomaya was also predeceased by her brother, Robert “Bobby” Peacock. She will be sadly missed by her beloved husband Ronald and their three devoted daughters: Candice Porter of Wilbraham, Heather (Ed) Adamson of Sturbridge, and Kelli (Charlie) Murphy of Haverhill, MA; her sister Lezlie Peacock of Fountain Hills, AZ and niece Stefani Peacock of Portland, OR; nephew Bobby Peacock of Peekskill, NY; five cherished grandchildren: Destiny, Jakob, Miranda, Kendra and Kailin; and three great-grandchildren: Lula, Jacob and Eddie.
The family has planned a private celebration of life for a later date. Those who wish to honor her name are encouraged to make a donation to the American Heart Association or another charitable foundation that supports children in need.
Wilbraham Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.