Jane McGirt Porter

Jane McGirt Porter passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026. Jane lived a full and faithful life for nearly 96 years. She was born to Reverend Charles A. McGirt and Sarah Crawford McGirt and loved being a pastor’s daughter. She was happily married to John L. Porter for 46 years. We know they are now joyfully reunited.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John Porter, two sons (Johnny and Charles), and a sister, Ann Knight.

Jane is survived by her son, Chris (Betsy) Porter; granddaughters, Kate (Ben) Boyd and Elizabeth (Gonzalo) Chavez; a special niece, Pam Dobrenen; and special nephew, John Knight.

After college, Jane taught school but soon fell in love with her life-long career as a mother. Jane lived with a servant’s heart. She loved being a mother and grandmother, visiting people, volunteering at funeral dinners, leading the Elderberries at church, and lending a hand through many activities at Reynolda Church for more than 65 years. Jane loved feeding her family, spoiling her dogs, the beach, traveling, celebrating anything, and running around town on errands.

There will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20 at Forsyth Memorial Park, 3815 Yadkinville Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106. On Sunday, March 22, there will be a visitation at 2:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 p.m. at Reynolda Church, 2200 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, Jane would be honored by your support of the Heritage Group (formerly the Elderberries) at Reynolda Church.