Anna Porter Martin

Anna Porter Martin, age 79, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, in Austin, Texas. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Cathedral Oaks in Belton, Texas. Family and friends are invited to join us as we share stories and raise a glass in her honor.

Anna was born on July 25, 1945, in Rotan, Texas, to William Henry Porter and Wenonah (North) Porter. She grew up in Temple and graduated from Temple High School in 1963 where she sang in the choir, was a member of the Wildcat drill team – The Pepperettes, and was an editor of the Cotton Blossom yearbook. Anna loved music. She was accomplished on the piano and organ and would occasionally play as a young adult at church services at Meadow Oaks Baptist Church. Following graduation, she attended Baylor University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Latin in 1970.

For two decades, Anna was a dedicated elementary school teacher - a calling she fully embraced throughout her life – teaching her 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students reading, language arts and social studies at Leon Heights and Sparta Elementary in the Belton ISD. She particularly enjoyed reading her favorite books to her students – “The Wind in the Willows” and “A Wrinkle in Time.” Her influence on the lives of her students was profound and lasting as her former students would frequently share their accomplishments with her throughout the years and for which she was keenly proud. She believed in nurturing - not only academic growth - but also in kindness, encouraging each child to strive to do their best and to treat others with care and respect.

In 1964, Anna married William T. Wilson, her high school sweetheart, and together they raised two children, Wendy and Porter. The years they shared were marked by Anna’s loving dedication to her family and her unwavering love and belief in her children. Her steadfast encouragement was marked by her oft repeated mantras: “You can become anything that you want to be." “Everything is going to be okay.” and “Just do your best.”

Anna was actively involved in all aspects of Wendy and Porter’s education and extracurricular activities. She assisted as Girl Scout troop leader, shuttled them to various sports practices, music and tennis lessons, practices and tournaments, and always provided them with love and encouragement.

Anna also enjoyed playing tennis and in her later years continued to be an avid fan, attending various professional tournaments such as the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, French Open, U.S. Davis Cup matches, and most recently the WTA ATX Open. She loved the mountains and snow skiing with her family on their many trips to Colorado.

Anna later found love again and married Dell Martin, Jr. in 1993. Their years together were filled with spontaneity and adventure, as they traveled the world, often at the spur of the moment, visiting every continent except Antarctica, not to mention countless trips to Las Vegas and Ruidoso, New Mexico (which no doubt made up for missing Antarctica). Their shared journeys, enjoyment of the company of friends, and steadfast love for their family were cornerstones of their vibrant life together.

Though Dell’s later years were challenged by illness, Anna’s strength, compassion, and grace never wavered. She cared for him with tireless love while continuing to be a devoted mother and grandmother.

After Dell’s passing in 2018, Anna was fortunate to find friendship and love again, as she connected with her neighbor, Len Klandrud. Both having experienced the recent loss of a spouse, Anna and Len found comfort and happiness in each other’s company. Their frequent walks, weekly hamburger excursions, and Sunday swims brought them both a life spark that was palpable and delightful. Their relationship was a beautiful reminder that love and connection can bloom again.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, William H. Porter (1992), and Wenonah Porter (1999), her husband, Dell Martin (2018), and her brother, Jack Michael Porter (2023).

She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Wilson, and her spouse, Tosha Smith of Austin, Texas, and her son, Porter Wilson, and his spouse, Monika Wilson, also of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by stepsons Kenneth L. Martin of Belton, Texas, and Derek Martin (Elizabeth) of Temple Texas. Anna also maintained a loving relationship with former daughter-in-law, DeAnn Martin of Georgetown. Anna adored and was extremely proud of her grandchildren Madden Wilson, Callie Wilson, Texanna Martin, Barret Martin, Mason Martin and Preston Martin, committing countless hours attending their activities and supporting their passions.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Texas (https://www.txalz.org/donate/) or an education scholarship of your choice.

Anna’s life was marked by her immense love, kindness, loyalty, and compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.