By: Pam Perry PR 

On December 15, 2020, Dr. Portia Lockett received the phone call every parent dreads. Her beloved son, Azal Benne Lockett, had been involved in a tragic automobile accident. As details emerged, she learned that he had been shot before the accident, a shocking revelation that compounded her grief. For Dr. Lockett, a hospital chaplain, spiritual advisor, and grief recovery specialist, this unimaginable loss would set her on a path she never anticipated but one that would ultimately turn her pain into a powerful force for healing and hope.

Azal’s untimely death left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Described as a servant, loving, passionate, and giving, Azal’s spirit lives on through the Azal Benne Lockett Foundation (ABL Foundation), established by Dr. Lockett to honor his memory and help others navigate their own grief journeys. The foundation’s mission is clear: to help the grieving heal, offer them hope, and hold their hearts as they travel the difficult road to recovery.

“The foundation represents the fervent, industrious, loving, and giving spirit of Azal,” says Dr. Lockett. “He touched so many lives, and through this foundation, his legacy continues to make an impact.”

Dr. Lockett’s own journey to becoming a chaplain and spiritual advisor was marked by a series of life experiences that uniquely prepared her for this role. She recalls a time when she felt a unique calling, even though she didn’t initially understand what it meant. Conversations with spiritual advisors outside traditional church settings helped clarify her path. Despite economic downturns and personal challenges, she pursued her training with determination, volunteering at local hospitals and eventually securing a full-time position where she could use her diverse skill set to support patients and their families.

Photo Courtesy: Portia Lockett, LLC / Dr. Portia Lockett

“Looking back, I realize that every step of my journey was preparing me for this work,” Dr. Lockett reflects. “I’ve had the opportunity to speak, train, and co-author books, all of which have helped shape who I am today.”

The sudden loss of her son was a devastating blow, but Dr. Lockett’s faith and resilience have been the cornerstones of her strength. In the midst of the pandemic, she had to navigate funeral arrangements under strict restrictions, with minimal family presence. Yet, the outpouring of love and support from her community was overwhelming. Her son’s girlfriend giving birth to Azalea, Azal’s daughter, provided a tangible piece of his legacy that Dr. Lockett cherishes deeply.

“God instructed me to start a foundation in Azal’s honor,” she shares. “Through the ABL Foundation, we help the grieving heal, offer them hope, and hold their hearts.”

Foundation’s Initiatives

The foundation acknowledges that grief can stem from various sources, including the loss of a loved one, chronic illness, divorce, loss of social life, loss of a limb, and significant lifestyle changes. With this understanding, the foundation runs the Permission Series, which includes:

• Permission To Grieve (April 1, 2023)
• Permission To Heal (July 8, 2023)
• Permission To Live and Laugh (November 4, 2023)
• Permission To Love Again (February 2024 and more)
• Permission to Move Forward (July 2024)

These events are at a nominal fee and open to the grieving public. They provide a space for individuals to find joy, humor, and heartfelt stories, along with practical tools from professionals and life coaches.

As the ABL Foundation prepares to celebrate its second anniversary with a Prayer Breakfast on September 7, 2024, Dr. Lockett reflects on the foundation’s impact. The event, themed “Finding Peace and Purpose Through Pain,” will highlight the foundation’s accomplishments and honor a community organization that supports the grief community. It is a testament to Azal’s enduring legacy and Dr. Lockett’s unwavering commitment to turning her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others.

The event will take place at Wayne County Community College District, located at 8200 W. Outer Dr., Detroit, MI 48219, beginning at 10:00 AM. The breakfast will feature inspirational messages, musical performances, and a recognition of community support. Tickets are available for purchase, with VIP tickets priced at $100, regular tickets at $65 through August 10th, and $75 from August 11th.

Dr. Lockett’s work extends beyond the foundation. She is the CEO of Portia Lockett LLC and the Director of Spiritual Care and Community Affairs for the Detroit Medical Center. Her contributions include guest appearances on numerous podcasts, co-hosting The Grieving Journey Podcast, and writing for the Michigan Chronicle, where she uplifts the grieving community. She also created The Healing Card Deck, a tool to guide individuals through their grief, available on her website, DrPortiaLockett.com.

“I have purpose-driven grief,” she says. “Through the loss of my son, I’ve found a way to help others on their grieving journey.”

Dr. Lockett’s story is one of profound resilience and hope. She has turned her deepest pain into a mission to support others, ensuring Azal’s spirit continues touching lives. For grieving mothers and women, her journey offers a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a path to healing and a way to find purpose through the pain.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Prayer Breakfast, visit the Azal Benne Lockett Foundation website.

For sponsorship packages and further details, please contact the Foundation at info@azalbennelockettfoundation.org. 

Photo Courtesy: Portia Lockett, LLC / Dr. Portia Lockett

This event celebrates two years of helping grievers heal, offering hope, and holding hearts on their journeys from grief loss to healing restoration.

Published by: Nelly Chavez