Billy Porter Announces Death of ‘Loving’ Mother Cloerinda: ‘We are Heartbroken’

Billy Porter mourns the death of his mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford.

The Broadway star announced the news in an Instagram post on Thursday, sharing that he was “right next to her when she took her last breath, wrapped in our arms.” The post included a handful of photos and videos from their time together.

“Mom lived life to the fullest despite the physical limitations that weighed on her. She was the personification of true Christianity, and her unconditional love is a template the world could benefit from. Her example is what we continue to strive for,” Porter wrote.

Porter said his family is “heartbroken that she is no longer here with us, but take comfort that her suffering is over.”

(L-R) Billy Porter, Cloerinda Porter and Mary Margaret Porter.

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“Her fight was long and hard—she fought it with grace and honesty. Mom will forever be in our hearts as she continues to guide us from above, as she did on this Earth. From work to reward …,” Porter shared.

The actor explained ua Build Series interview in April 2017 that his mother “was born with degenerative damage that just kept getting worse and worse.”

“That woman got out of bed every day of her life and fought for her life when everyone on the planet said he shouldn’t even try. I don’t know how to be anything else when you have an example like that. You can’t be anything else.”

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After announcing her death, Porter received support from individuals like Loni Love, who commented on his post: “I’m so sorry, but please keep the good memories of your mother in your heart. Prayers for the entire family at this time 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 .”

Tamron Hall commented: “Praying for you. Thank you for sharing her journey with the world. We love you.” Lena Waithe wrote: “Sending you so much love. Keeping your family in my prayers.”

Billy Porter.

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Porter spoke about the importance his mother’s unconditional love had on him during an appearance on Today with Hoda and Jenna in December 2023.

“I think that’s what we talk about all the time. When we have family support, it’s a lot easier to navigate life. Very often queer people are pushed out of their spaces, and we’ve figured out how to create select families, and that’s okay too. Family comes in many different forms.”

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Source: HIS Education