Getty Kim Porter in 2012
Kim Porter passed away on November 15, at age 47. The cause of death has not been released, but TMZ reported at the time that she had been sick with flu-like symptoms. Porter is the ex-girlfriend of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, and is survived by her four children, twins girls and a son whom she had with Diddy, and actor Quincy Brown, who she had in a previous relationship with rapper Al B! Sure.
Diddy has been paying tribute to Porter on Twitter, and revealed this morning that “Today we lay to rest our ANGEL.” He also took the time to thank fans for their prayers and support.
After a private viewing and ceremony Friday night, TMZ reported earlier that “an estimated 1,200-1,500 mourners are expected to attend.” The funeral is scheduled to begin at 11am in Columbus, Georgia. According to Daily News, she will be buried alongside her mother and grandmother at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, “in the southern town where she was raised and began her modelling career.”
A source told TMZ that while Diddy intends to deliver Porter’s eulogy, “he’s not sure he could make it through” because of how shocked and distraught he is over the unexpected loss. Sources say that mourners at the private funeral ceremony can, however, expect a performance from Faith Evans. TMZ reports that Evans’ performance is meant to return the comfort Diddy gave her when Biggie died.
Though it had previously been reported that Porter’s casket would arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, TMZ shared a photo of a plain black hearse arriving at Cascade Hills Church before the ceremony.
Kim Porter Funeral About to Begin as Hearse Arrives
A photo obtained by TMZ before the service reveals that Porter’s casket is gold, and was decorated with a huge bouquet of white flowers. A black and white photo of a younger Porter was stood next to it.
After the funeral, TMZ reported that Diddy did, in fact, speak during the service, but Bishop Noel Jones was the one who delivered the eulogy; Quincy Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Dallas Austin spoke as well. Faith Evans, according to a video US Weekly found posted to Instagram, sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” In addition to Evans, Yolanda Adams paid her respects with a musical performance.
Parker Branton with ABC News tweeted photos of Porter’s graveside service in Columbus, alongside a small body of water.
Kim Porter’s graveside service in Columbus, GA. Sean “Diddy” Combs, Usher, Missy Elliot, Fat Joe and others came to lay their beloved one to rest.
Many celebrity friends of Diddy, Porter and their families were in attendance, including Usher, DJ Khaled and Missy Elliot. Elliott and Porter’s best friend, Kimora Lee Simmons, shared video on social media of pastel fireworks being set off in Porter’s honor at her gravesite.