Dr. Portia W. Rochelle is a native of Fuquay-Varina, NC. She is the second oldest child of the late John R. Wilson and the late Mrs. Lillie B. Wilson. She was married to the late Deacon Peter I. Rochelle. She has two adult children: a daughter Marissa R. Seawall (son-in-law Antonio) and a son, Christopher Rochelle (daughter-in-law Tai). She has four adorable grandchildren, Venetia, DeVoy, Brittany, and Ryan.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age and, became a member of the St. Augusta Free Will Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC where she served in numerous ministries.

Her early education was received in the public schools of Wake County. In 1972, she received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Legal Secretarial Science from Wake Technical Institute. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies in 1999 from Shaw University. She received a Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University Divinity School in 2002. During her study at Shaw, she received numerous scholarships and awards. She received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Drew University in 2012.

She is a former Associate Minister of Macedonia New Life Church where she served as youth minister. She was ordained by the Eastern NC Association-Southern Conference—UCC on March 30, 2003. She has been in ministry for over 16 years.

Dr. Rochelle is the founder of “A Word for Transformation Ministry” (2002). The ministry sponsors a women’s clothing closet. Wardrobe assistance, resume preparation, tips on interviewing, mentoring, encouragement in life, intercessory prayer and ministry of the Word are provided. She has served as guest preacher for women’s day services, women’s conferences, youth day services, youth vacation Bible School teacher, and other preaching engagements throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

Community service: Dr. Rochelle loves serving others. She has volunteered in various school, and community organizations including: Den Leader and Assistant Cub Master of Occoneechee Cub Scout (Pack 390); Carolina Pines Girl Scouts (Troop 433); Enloe High School and Conn Elementary School serving in the Mentor/Tutor program; Board of Directors-Women In Ministry Support Group (WIMS) (2005); preaching and volunteering in Wake County nursing homes; and devotional services at the Southern Wake Adult Day Care Center in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

She served on the Executive Board of the Raleigh-Apex Branch of the NAACP--Religious Affairs Chair (2004-2008); Executive Board Member of Strengthening The Black Family Conference, Inc.--Raleigh, NC. (2004 – 2010); and Board member of the Fuquay-Varina Community Development, Inc. (2007-2009).

Community service continued:

She served as Vice President of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) (2009-2012). She is the President of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP Branch (2009-current). She also serves on the Pleasant Grove Church, Dream Academy Foundation Board-Cary, NC

She received the “2009 Minister of the Year Award” from the NC State Conference of the NAACP and Minister of the Year Award from NC Pan Hellenic Council.

Dr. Rochelle has completed 30 years of service in NC State Government. She retired from the NC Division of Medical Assistance on October 1, 2002 where she served as Coordinator for Rule-Making, State Medicaid Plan, and Grants. She is a recipient of the State of North Carolina Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award given to state employees who have provided outstanding service.

She is a former member of ELAH Pastoral Ministries, Inc., under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale.

She is founding Pastor-Teacher of "Word For Transformation Church And Outreach Center" (WTCOC) Raleigh, NC. The church is located at 3009 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC. WTCOC focuses on issues of spiritual formation, justice, and social responsibility. WTCOC is associated with AGAPE Fellowship Ministries under the leadership of Bishop John W. McNeill, Fuquay-Varina, NC.

She enjoys traveling, reading, writing, teaching, and preaching the Gospel. One of her future goals is to write books for children and youth. She believes she has been called to be a servant. When asked what her greatest accomplishment in life is she states: “Becoming a child of the King; knowing that I have reached out and touched someone’s life and made a difference; and knowing that God is glorified in the service I give.” Her motto is “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.