Marilyn Edna Porter

Marilyn Porter passed in peace on September 1, 2025. Marilyn was born the first of nine Children to Leonard and Edith Bibee on April 7, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is survived by her daughters, Shannon Sampson and Shelly Numan; her grandson, Gavin Sampson; her sons-in-laws, Neil Sampson and Julian Numan; three sisters, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn grew up on a farm in Cincinnati where her chores included milking and attending to three cows: Bessy, Blackie and Popeye. She helped to nurture her new siblings over the years while taking care of many household chores. At 13, Marilyn was baptized at the Presbyterian church she attended, just before the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in search of a warmer climate. In 1956, the family moved from Arizona to La Mesa, California, where they set roots for the next 70 years.

Marilyn graduated from Helix High School and ventured into a career as a stewardess with PSA. Her best friend, Sharon Caporale, introduced her to Jerry Dixon, whom she married in 1961. Marilyn & Jerry raised their two daughters in El Cajon. She earned her cosmetology license and worked part-time as a hair dresser. When her daughters were in their teens, Marilyn completed medical course work at Grossmont College which led to a 40-year career in orthopedic medical office administration.

Marilyn met her new love, Glen Porter, in 1980. They were married in 1998 and were extremely happy together until his passing in 2002. Marilyn and Glen loved traveling to beach resorts in Grand Cayman, Mexico, and Hawaii. They took summer trips to Lake Tahoe. Marilyn had many happy memories sailing and “rafting-up” on Glen’s sailboat in San Diego Bay. When they weren’t out and about, they would cook dinners at home and invite family and friends over to join them. They enjoyed life to the fullest.

Marilyn treasured her family and close friends. Her daughters and grandson meant the world to her. She enjoyed family get-togethers where she became known for her delicious strawberry parfait and chocolate fudge brownies. Marilyn favored a cinnamon roll, OJ and coffee each morning, frozen iced tea during the day and a Cosmo at night. She loved sunny days, sandy beaches, relaxing poolside, golfing, reading, shopping and country western music and concerts, especially Jon Pardi!

Marilyn was in a class all her own: dignified and true. She was a private person but opened her arms to those held dear-often reaching out in her own subtle, and behind-the-scene ways. She was generous, kind and humble: never seeking attention or praise. God will recognize her in heaven in ways beyond our comprehension. Marilyn’s gentle demeanor and endearing presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. God bless her sweet soul and may she forever rest in peace.