Columbus business owner, grandmother of model Kim Porter has died
A local restaurant owner and the grandmother of the late Columbus native and model Kim Porter has died, according to Porter’s son, Quincy Brown.
Brown announced the death of Porter’s grandmother and Royal Cafe owner, Lila Mae Star, 93, through an Instagram post late Wednesday night.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Lila Mae Star,” Brown said in the post. “She departed this life peacefully, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit will forever remain in our hearts. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Details regarding services will be shared soon.”
Brown’s comment on his post says, “my heart is shattered ... I love you Grandma Star.”
Royal Cafe, which has permanently closed, also confirmed the death of the restaurant’s owner, who was born in 1931.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said Star’s manner of death was natural.
Who was Kim Porter?
Porter was born in Columbus on Dec. 15, 1970, and graduated from Columbus High School in 1988 before moving to Atlanta to pursue a modeling career, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.
Porter’s late mother, Sarah L. Porter, was the owner of Royal Cafe in Columbus. Porter had been in a relationship with R&B singer Al B. Sure. Porter also had an on again, off again relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs with whom she had three children: Christian Casey Combs, D’Lila Star and Jessie James Combs.
Porter was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Nov. 15, 2018, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. Porter’s funeral was held at Cascade Hills in Columbus before being interred at Evergreen Memorial on St. Mary’s Road.
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM.