Shirley Reid Porter

Shirley R. Porter, 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in San Angelo, Texas. She was born to the late, Charles Darling and Lutie Faye Grimes Reid in Harrah, Oklahoma on July 17, 1928. She grew up in Harrah, graduating from Harrah High School in 1946. At an early age, Shirley began to study piano with a teacher in her small community. By the time she was eight years old, she had mastered “The Old Rugged Cross” and played the hymn at her grandmother’s funeral. Shirley enjoyed friendship with a special boy who lived next door, Edward Porter. She was just 14 when he left to serve as an Army infantryman in World War II. By the time he returned, she had blossomed into a lovely young woman. They married on August 9, 1947. Shirley enjoyed being a homemaker and mother to her three children, Beverly, Steve and Susan. She was a devoted wife to Edward. The family lived in Odessa, Texas for 40 years. Shirley kept the home running smoothly while Edward worked as a petroleum engineer for Phillips Petroleum and Forest Oil. Shirley served as church organist for Crescent Park Baptist Church, Odessa for many years. She took special delight in assisting young musicians by performing duets with them. Students of the piano, violin, flute, trumpet and other instruments were able to advance their skills by working with her. Upon her retirement, the church recognized her contribution with “Shirley Porter Day”. In 1997, Edward and Shirley moved to San Angelo, where Shirley continued to use her musical abilities to bless and encourage people. They were members of the First Baptist Church, San Angelo. Poor health necessitated Shirley’s move to Sagecrest, where she continued to play the piano for the residents. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 68 years; brother, Charles W. Reid; and sister, Delores Sewell.

Survivors include her children, Beverly Drury and husband, Jon, Steven Porter and wife, Linda, and Susan Neal; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be an open visitation from 10:00am – 8:00pm for those wishing to pay their respects on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Johnson’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jon Drury officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the family plot at Harrah Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, Oklahoma. Family and friends are encouraged to share photos and memories as well as sign the online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo, Texas.