Janet Ann Porter

She is the greatest woman we have ever known and will be so incredibly missed by many. She was our mom, our advisor, our travel buddy, and most importantly our friend.

Mom was the oldest of 2 sisters and 1 brother growing up in Birmingham England during World War II. She used to tell us stories about running to the bomb shelter when the German’s bombed the UK. She stayed not far from Coventry which took heavy damage. Thank God she survived the ordeal and went on to be the kind soul that she was and to bring both Lee and Stephen into this world.

Her work life was many things, starting in a factory in England at only 15 to help out her parents. After moving away from the UK for an adventurous life here in the US, her first stop was New York back in the 60’s. This was no easy feat back then and certainly not cheap to do. Mom saved up a long time to make her dream come true – and she did! She waited in a popular diner and met a few famous people as well.

After her adventure in New York, she followed her friend (also from England) to Texas – where she later met her husband and our late dad, Dennis Porter. She worked tirelessly at the Fielder road K-Mart for over 20 years, moving up the ladder to eventually manage the cashiers and service desk areas which I was told was one of the hardest jobs in that store.

Years after she left K-Mart her customers would come up to mom in various places around town and say “hey I remember you, you used to work at K-Marts!” They could never forget her British accent. Of course she usually never remembered them but always greeted them with that same radiant smile of hers and they would reminisce.

After K-Mart she wanted at least one more go before retirement so she joined Dillard’s at the Parks Mall for a few more years in the handbags department. She told us she loved handbags so much why not sell them?  She again greeted all her friends and customers with her glowing smile and fun spirit and along the way made some great friends which are here with us today.

Although mom was strongly committed to her work, she very much enjoyed travelling and Stephen and I had the privilege of spoiling her as often as we could. We were lucky enough to have taken her to faraway places such as Bermuda, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Canada, Cancun, Cozumel, and even back to her birthplace of England – often times first class because it was after all - mom. 

Even within the US she went many places such as Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Las Vegas, and on her big 70th Bday bash a trip from San Francisco down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. This is where she found some of her all-time favorite places along the Oceanside such as Monterrey and Santa Monica. She simply loved to travel and visit the ocean side as often as she could. And even while Lee was half-way around the world, Stephen was able to take her back to those places a few more times.

She always told Lee if she was missing to look for her on a park bench overlooking the ocean at Santa Monica beach in California. As she is "missing" now – Lee won’t find her there - but rather in the arms of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ - safe from disease and her challenges faced while she was hospitalized.

And even beyond work and travel, she was a steadfast member of the TBPA since 1977. A number of them remember us when we were young, having also attended the meetings as mom didn’t have a babysitter then. We always wondered why they all just sat around talking and drinking tea. Well, later in life we knew what they really did – and that was to be a great support group for one another, enjoy the fellowship of each other, take trips, and basically ensure they all enjoyed life to the fullest – like mom always did. we even have pictures to prove it! 

One time they even all pitched in one year and bought a crib for Stephen just after he was born. The club was very important to our mom and she rarely missed a meeting. We hope there is always a seat left for her in the coming meetings as she will continue to attend in spirit. God bless the Arlington TBPA chapter!

Mom was the strongest person we have ever come across and stood fast in her beliefs, including her trust in our Lord. Although she didn't attend church regularly, she was a strong Christian and prayed every night for her 2 sons and many others - leaving herself last regarding her own health and well-being. She told Lee many times what she prayed for. She was a friend to strangers, always greeted people with her genuine smile, believed in working hard to earn a decent living, and live a modest but enjoyable life. May she forever rest in peace and enjoy the eternal life she has most certainly earned.

Until we meet again mom - there is already a special place for you in our hearts and we know you are always there with us in spirit – we will always love you.