Nina Caron Portalatin Barrett

2024. Nina was born on March 30, 1966, to Candido Portalatin of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and

Patricia B. Thomas of Louisburg, North Carolina.

Nina was a graduate of Reading High School, and attended A&T college in Atlanta, GA and was

a graduate of Bethlehem Bible Institute in Malvern, PA. She was a nurse for many years and

worked in Insurance for fifteen plus years.

Nina was an artist who delighted in a spectrum of vibrant and unconventional colors. Nina’s

dedication to street ministry was a canvas where her colorful personality and devotion to God

painted lasting impressions on the heart’s and mind’s of those she encountered, creating

masterpieces of inspiration.

Nina embodied the essence of a Godly woman, fervently serving as an ambassador of our Lord

Jesus Christ. With deep understanding of her calling, she embraced the mission and

responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God. In moments of bodily weakness, Nina leaned on

the Lord’s guidance and strength to continue preaching His truth.

Nina served as a Minister at New Hope Baptist Church and Holy Trinity Church of God both of

Reading, PA, where she taught Sunday School, hosted summer Bible camp, instructed Bible

study, and preached the word of God. Nina’s advocation for the Lord was not confined to the

walls of the Church as she also initiated programs for free clothing and food, and spoke at the

Hope Rescue Mission in Reading, PA, touching lives with her compassionate outreach.

As a Minister of the Lord, Nina will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to engaging

with people from all walks of life and encouraging them to follow God’s truth. Whether walking

around Penn Street or in her favorite store, Walmart, speaking with women, addicts, troubled

youth, or those facing hardships – she extended a compassionate hand and a listening ear. Her

fiery spirit often led people to Christ or welcomed them into her home to find solace and emerge

with renewed spirits and minds. Her profound passion for healing souls ignited a deep love

among many, who now cherish and share stories of how she sparked their transformative

journeys. Her legacy remains a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who encountered her

ministry of love and faith.

Nina is survived by her loving family, husband Curtis Lee Barrett and her two sons Jarrett

Patience and Joel Ellison Jr., grandson Jarrett Patience Jr., all of Reading, PA, siblings Carmen

Portalatin Booker of Reading, (Evans Booker), Tracy Portalatin Gibson (Walter Gibson), of

Harrisburg, PA, Gary Portalatin (True Portalatin) of Exeter, PA, Derrick Portalatin of Milwaukee,

WI, Candido Workman (Jamila Workman) of Reading, PA, Mike Price of Harrisburg, PA, Manuel

Portalatin (Daisy Portalatin) of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, as well as her God children; Alana

McIntosh-McCracken, Maxine Mayo, Jaiana Welmaker and David & Judy Tarver, and her best friends, Kareema Vasquez and Penny McIntosh, all of Reading, PA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

A gathering of friends and relatives for Nina will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church of God, 130 W Buttonwood St, Reading, PA 19601, followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Theo C Auman Reading is entrusted to Nina's Services. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.theocauman.com for the Portalatin Barrett families.