Dortha Mae Porter

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Flora Phillips, her three brothers, Aubrey, Thomas, and Leroy Phillips, her two sisters Martha Luther and Mary Rosner, her husband of 64 years, Chester Porter, and her son, Donald Porter.

While living in east Texas, Dortha’s family were sharecroppers who sometimes picked cotton for a living. She recalled enjoying playing in the creeks with her brothers and sisters until her family moved to Houston when she was a young teenager. Her relationships with her Phillips relatives were something she cherished throughout her life.

At the age of 15, Dortha married Chester Porter in June 1947. She recalled with a laugh that she liked the way he walked. Two years later, Dennis was born, followed by Donald then Johnny. She was a devoted mother marked by her kindness and unwavering support of her sons. Never critical, she was always proud of who they were and what they accomplished.

Although she didn't finish high school, Dortha took a course in key punching and was hired by Texaco in downtown Houston as a key punch operator. She worked there until 1969 when Chester became a paraplegic as a result of an on the job an accident as an iron worker. Dortha quit her job to care for Chester full time and continued to do so until his death in December, 2011 at the age of 80. With the help of the Lord Jesus for guidance, Dortha cheerfully supported Chester throughout many years of surgeries, doctor appointments and daily challenges.

Dortha was a lifelong learner who found many ways to keep her mind active. She got her GED then took classes from the City of Light School of Ministry where she graduated with honors to become a minister. Although she never worked directly for a church, she shared her love of Jesus with everyone she met. She taught herself to play the guitar and composed hundreds of songs that celebrated her faith and praised Jesus and his love for all of us.

Similarly, Dortha taught herself to create beautiful oil paintings. She especially loved painting floral arrangements and landscapes that captured the beauty of nature as well as portraits of family members.

A favorite pastime of Dortha’s was playing games with family and friends. She cared little about whether she won or not. Instead, she cherished the time she spent in the company of others and the opportunity to laugh and have fun. For years, she had weekly card games with Johnny and Roger ad well as Chester, Donald, and Keith until their passing. While a resident of The Reserve at Katy, she even organized Skipbo classes twice a week so the ladies could enjoy time together.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Dortha knew she was a joyful woman whose gentle laughter erupted easily and often. She was a humble soul who was always ready to laugh at herself, but never at someone else. She didn’t dwell on trying to impress others, on what she didn’t have or on challenges she faced. Instead, she simply rejoiced in God’s blessings. Surely, she was likewise one of God’s blessings to all of those whose lives she touched.

Dortha is survived by her son, Dennis and his wife, Michele and her son, Johnny. Survivors also include her granddaughter , Renée Zigfrid, grandson, Jonn Porter, great granddaughters Chloe, Kaitee, and Dakota Porter, and great granddaughter, Ava Zigfrid.

A visitation for Dortha will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A committal service will occur Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060.