Iva Mae Porter was born on October 11, 1929 to parents Elva and William Lewis in Woodlake, California. She lived most of her early life in Woodlake, except for a year spent in Vallejo, California during her high school years. She took business classes at COS where she got her AA degree.
Iva met her husband Vernon Lee Porter in Visalia, California and were married in February 1951. They quickly started their family and in short order had four children – Daryl in 1951, Bruce in 1953, Yvette in 1957, and Michelle in 1960.
Iva was a dedicated mother, nurturing her children while also working to help make ends meet. She had several different jobs in her life including working as a car-hop at Gigs drive-in, as a seamstress for Baily Manufacturing Company, and for most of her adult life as a nurses aid at Kaweah Delta Hospital. She was in the delivery room assisting with the birth of several of her grandchildren.
Iva had lots of energy and was always involved in her children’s lives. She helped host and lead Good News Clubs for children in her home. She was active in PTA, a den mother for Cub Scouts, and volunteered with 4-H Clubs. She was always present and an active cheerleader at her kids, grandkids, and even a few of her great grandkids sporting event, concerts, and Special events. In later years she became an active member of the First Baptist Church (now Gateway Church) choir, loved attending her Sunday School Class, and went on several YUGO mission trips to Mexico. She also was a volunteer for the Red Cross, very active with her husband in the Optimist Club, and helped ring the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. In addition to all this, she always seemed to have time to be sewing a piece of clothing, making a quilt, or crocheting a blanket for someone. Even in her final year at Kaweah Manor she helped coordinate and lead a group that sewed on buttons and sewed up hems for the residents.
Iva loved her Lord Jesus, her family, and her friends. She was much loved in return.
Iva was preceded in death by her father William and mother Elva, her brothers Robert, and Don, her sister Elizabeth Gibson, her granddaughter Yvonne Carr, and her husband Vernon (they were married for 59 years!). She is survived by her two sisters Wilma Potter and Ilene Jeffcoach, and sister-in-law Ruth Lewis; her children Daryl and wife Molly, Bruce and his wife Janice, Yvette and her husband Russ Carr, and Michelle and her husband Frank Walker. Grandchildren Matthew Porter, Rachel Hawthorn, Jamie Mack, Ben Porter, Preston Carr, Spencer Carr, Christine Walker, and Daniel Walker; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 24, 2016 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Visalia Public Cemetery. Celebration of Life Services will follow at 11 a.m. at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell in Visalia, CA.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Any donations are encouraged for Gateway Church building fund and the Salvation Army.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18