Our beautiful mother Mary Frances Bowman Porter departed this life on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior. On the wings of angels, she was carried into her Savior's arms. Mary was known for her kind and generous heart, her fun-loving nature, her love of God and her great family devotion.
Mary was born on October 2, 1925 in Hornbeck, LA. to her parents Charles Bowman and Mary Frances Jones Bowman.
She graduated from Hornbeck High School. Mary moved to Westlake, LA. to live with her sister Delma Grout and then graduated from Delta School of Business. She was later employed at Cities Service refinery as a lab chemist during World War II. Then Mary began working at the Westlake U.S. Post Office where she served the community as a postal clerk for 37 years. She made so many friends while serving the public.
Her winning smile, dedication to her job, and personal attention to all customers made her a favorite with the community. Upon retirement, she received a key to the city of Westlake for her outstanding service.
In 1947, Mary married the love of her life, Garland I. Porter. They were married 37 years and had three children: Peggy Porter Jenkins, Daniel Porter, and Debra Porter Bourque. She was an awesome and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and best friend.
Mary was active in her community. Mary was a member of the American business Women Association She was also a lifetime member of the order of Eastern Star Organization in Westlake. She and her husband also were active in the Habibi Temple of Lake Charles. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Westlake. She was also a member of the Handbell choir at Resthaven Nursing Home and was voted "Resthaven Resident" of the month there numerous times.
Among her hobbies were a love of gospel music, visiting with friends, bingo, singing, dancing, never meeting a stranger and spending time with family. She served her family unconditionally and was devoted to them.Her grandchildren and great grandchildren lovingly called her "Granny P."
Mary's survivors include her daughters Peggy Jenkins and husband Terry of Westlake and Debbi Bourque and husband Michael of Moss Bluff; five grandchildren, Kelli Hendricks of Houtsotn, TX., David Jenkins and wife Amanda of Lumberton, TX., Amy Mathis and husband Allen of Beaumont, TX., Collin Bourque of Moss Bluff, and Kaycee Bourque of Moss Bluff; six great grandchildren, Josh, Micah, Evan, Graham, Cohen, and Brody; and three great great grandchildren, Braylee, Waylon, and Kynlee.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Frances Bowmen; her husband, Garland Irving Porter; her son Daniel Porter; her grandson Kevin Porter, nine brothers, Rufus, Joe, Jake, J.D., Bert, Bob, Perry, Jerry, and S.E. Bowman; four sisters, Dolia Ellis, Delma Grout, Audrey Busher, and Charlene Holder; and a life long friend, Louise Ellender.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday, November 20, 2020 beginning at 11:00am until the time of services. A Celebration of life will be held in the funeral home at 2:00pm. Interment will be immediately following in Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfueralhomes.com for the Porter family.
