Helen Elaine Porter

Helen Elaine Porter was the beloved wife of Iris "Son" Porter, mother to Kathy and Katie, and grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to the generations who lovingly knew her as Nonna.

Helen rarely spoke about herself. Instead, those who loved her came to know her through the life she lived and the memories she created. To describe her would be this:

She was a woman with a great laugh and an even stronger stubborn streak. Her laughter brought comfort to those around her, and her determination was unmatched.

She loved animals, especially birds. She cared for a gazebo full of finches and had a special fondness for hummingbirds. She also had an extraordinary gift for nurturing plants, bringing even those on the brink of giving up back to life. She also never lost her lifelong love of dolls, always finding room for just one more.

Having grown up during the Great Depression, Helen carried a lifelong appreciation for frugality. Every penny had a purpose, every purchase was considered, and every item was meant to live its full potential.

Helen loved in her own way, and each person understood that love a little differently.

If her life could be summarized in a single thought, it would simply be this: she lived a long life that she enjoyed.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Albert Bradfute; mother, Allie Fly; brother, Wayne Bradfute; sister, Deletha Miller; husband, Iris "Son" Porter; daughter, Katherine "Kathy" Wilson, and son-in-law, Danny Wilson.

She is survived by her sister, June Smith; daughter, Kathleen "Katie" Parsley; granddaughters, Laurie (Randy) Pruett, Jennifer (Jeff) Slahetka, and Tisha Wilson; great-granddaughters, Amanda (Stephen) Johnson, Alissa and Kaylinn Campbell; great-great-grandsons, Kaden and Porter Johnson; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.