Students share special memories of beloved classmate killed in car accident over Winter Break

Students gathered Friday night at the Pate Chapel in Thomas Road Baptist Church near Liberty University’s campus to mourn the loss and celebrate the memories of 24-year-old Porchia Henderson, a beloved Liberty student who was killed in a vehicle accident on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 7.

The memorial service, which was attended by students and professors along with Henderson’s closest friends and family members, included remarks from her mentors on her overall joyfulness and professionalism. Friends came on stage to share stories of how Henderson impacted their lives, and they described how her upbeat personality and strong work ethic will stay with them forever.

Henderson was studying exercise science and was set to graduate this May. She was president of the Liberty University chapter of Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries (BTGUM), which serves the community and spreads the Gospel through Bible studies, service projects, discipleship and other outreach efforts.

Words of encouragement were given by Pastor James Hobson, and both Henderson’s father and sister thanked those in attendance and stated that they are confident Porchia is celebrating eternal life in Heaven. Henderson’s sister, Candace, is a student at Liberty.

Near the end of the service, all in attendance were led in song to “It is Well” before a closing prayer.

In a university news release, student Jodie Walton, who worked with Porchia in the BTGUM, said her friend had a “bright personality.”

“She was loving and kind. She loved children. She worked at the Jerry Falwell Library, but also had side jobs in daycare. She just loved helping to raise children and the children loved her.”

“Porchia was clearly loved,” Liberty President Jerry Falwell said in the release. “Her loss has been difficult on her many friends here. She was a great example of living a life in service to Christ. We know she has been accepted with grace into Heaven.”

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 20, in Porchia’s hometown of Middletown, Del.