Dawn Marie (Erdman) Porter

Dawn Marie Erdman Porter, age 81, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the Center for Conscious Living & Dying. A resident of Arden for 40 years, Dawn was born on August 4, 1944, in Elgin, Illinois, to the late Richard H. Erdman and Anne E. Shaw Erdman. 

Dawn dedicated many years of professional service to State Farm Insurance. Outside of her career, she was an avid Bunco player, but her greatest joy in life truly came from spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

In addition to her parents, Dawn was preceded in death by her sister, Elna Bellows, and her brother, Richard Erdman. 

She is survived by her daughter, Shannon Walton of Arden, NC; her sons, Richard Porter of Arden, NC, and Randall Porter of Asheville, NC; and her grandchildren, Crysty Garrett (Richie) of Fayetteville, NC, Brittney Davidson (Matt) of Fayetteville, NC, Steven Basting (Kelly), Chelsy Wilson (David) of Asheville, NC, Drew Porter (Breea) of Asheville, NC, Abby Porter (Evan) of Asheville, NC, Parker Garrett (Julia) of Fayetteville, NC, Jackson Garrett of Fayetteville, NC, Caroline Garrett of Fayetteville, NC, Paislee Brannam of Asheville, NC, and Phoenix Porter of Asheville, NC. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 4:30PM at Gashes Creek Baptist Church, located at 308 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC. The memorial will be held at 5:30 with a dinner immediately following.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Center for Conscious Living & Dying, 83 Sanctuary Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778 (828-329-0823).

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