Mary Flint Porter, 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 18, 2019. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Mary spent some time in Florence, Alabama before settling in Birmingham, Alabama where she built a family and raised three children, Greg Waldrip, Lisa Heerten, and Jon Waldrip. She once said that raising her children was one of the greatest joys of her life.
She graduated with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degrees. She then went on to retire from the United Way of Central Alabama as the Assistant Vice President of Planning and Agency Relations.
Mary met her late husband, Dr. John F. Porter, Jr., through her love of birding. They married in 2006 and lived on Dauphin Island, where they enjoyed the most beautiful sunsets on their back deck and of course, the birds along the marsh.
Mary was quite busy on the Island. She held a member position for the Town of Dauphin Island Board of Adjustments. She was the Treasurer for a foundation, her late husband, John, created called DIBS (Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc). She was a member of the St Francis Episcopal Church where she was the President of the Episcopal Church Woman. One of her favorite places on the Island was the Welcome Center, where she volunteered. The Welcome Center has a library, museum, gift shop, a mini-business center, and of course a wealth of information on Dauphin Island.
Being close to her brother, Sam, was one of her greatest enjoyments and at the close of her life the biggest blessing. She also loved spending time with and being a Granny to Beth and Anna Waldrip.
Mary had a beautiful genuine spirit which touched everyone who knew her. She leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her. Although all wish they had more time to spend with Mary, she is now at peace with the Lord, and walking with her true love, John Porter.
Mary leaves behind brothers, Sam Flint, David Flint (Sandra), children, Greg Waldrip (Patti), Lisa Waldrip Heerten (Glenn), and Jon Waldrip, granddaughters, Beth and Anna, nieces/nephews Samantha Bruner (Kevin), Jeffrey Flint, Michael Flint (Lauren), and Bryan Flint (Stephanie), grand nephews/nieces Kaden, Mason, Corinne, Andrew, Walker, and Alec, and a host of neighbors and friends.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc. (DIBS), St Francis Episcopal Church on Dauphin Island or the charitable organization of your choice. DIBS is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the continuing protection of important migratory bird habitat on the island. Donations there may be submitted by mail to P.O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, AL 36528.
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