Dorothy A. Porter

Few people enter the world and are able to openly share love with others the way Dorothy A. Porter did. She was a woman of such warmth and charity, with family as the thing she cherished most. Her life was well lived through her faith, her determination, and her immeasurable devotion to the people she loved.

Dorothy's story began in the winter of 1926, as pure white snow began to settle in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Lee Kirkland and Faye (Austin) Kirkland were expecting the birth of a set of twins, who finally entered the world on the 22nd of November that year. Dorothy was the first twin born, and was fifteen minutes older than her sister, Doris.

They began a happy childhood in nearby Richland on a small farm, where Dorothy learned the value of hard work as she regularly completed a variety of farm chores. It was this strong work ethic that would carry Dorothy through her years, as she proved time and again what amazing things she was capable of. Soon Dorothy was a dedicated young woman attending Richland High School, and was very active and well known at school. It was there that she met Carl Porter, who quickly won her heart. By the time she graduated from high school in 1944, Dorothy was wearing an engagement ring, ready to begin a new chapter of her life with Carl. This was the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship that would last and flourish for many years to come.

Just days after their high school graduation, Carl bravely went off to the Navy. He and Dorothy kept in contact by sending letters and pictures to each other frequently, which carried their love for one another despite the distance between them. While home on leave, the couple were married on January 16, 1946. They would soon become parents as well, with the arrival of their son Larry in 1948, daughters Sharon in 1950 and Lois in 1952, and their youngest son Bob rounding out the family in 1956.

As a mother, Dorothy was known to be soft on the rules. Above all else, she wanted to make sure that her children knew they were loved and would always have family as an everlasting support. She did pass on her work ethic to them, however, teaching them to always put work before play. To teach them responsibility, Dorothy would give them a variety of chores and split them up between the kids. She also would instill in them a strong sense of right and wrong, ensuring that they each grew to be trustworthy and dependable.

The family has many fond memories together, especially since every weekend was devoted to family time, when they often went on camping trips or outings to visit family in Plainwell. They also spent one unforgettable vacation in Washington DC, full of memories that will stay with the family forever. Dorothy also loved to cook for her family, and everyone loved her beef and homemade noodles, which they could count on having every Sunday. Every member of the family absolutely loved her chocolate chip cookies, which were always in high demand and considered to be out of this world. Dorothy was the kind of mother who would do anything for her children. She was committed to providing them with happiness and a strong foundation on which to become successful in the world.

Dorothy was quite a creative woman, and loved her crafts. Among these were sewing, crocheting, crafts, and dolls. Hours would be spent making these numerous works of art, and she made them to give away to the people she loved--her friends and family. Giving gifts to them gave her much joy, and these gifts now serve as a reminder of the love she so graciously shared with each person she knew.

Over the years, Dorothy would get to continue sharing her love with family, as she became the proud grandmother and great grandmother of many little ones. She loved each of them, and never hesitated to spoil them at every opportunity. Her ties also remained strong with her twin sister, Doris, and the two had an inseparable connection.

During their retirement, Dorothy and Carl spent winters in Florida and summers in their home in Owensboro, Kentucky. They later spent time in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, as well. They loved to travel together, and made three trips to Hawaii, still deeply in love with each other, just as they always had been. Dorothy also considered her relationship to the Lord as an important aspect of her life, and spent her days devoted to Jesus Christ. She was baptized at the Maceo Baptist Church, but because of health reasons was unable to attend traditional worship services. She received her spiritual nourishment through Evangelist television, and always kept faith in the good in the world.

When Dorothy broke her arm during a bad fall in 2003, her health was no longer the same. During the next five years her health would continue to decline despite many doctor visits. Dorothy sadly died at her home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee just before midnight on Sunday, July 13, 2008, at the age of 81. She will be deeply missed and frequently remembered.

With her faith in Christ and her commitment to family, Dorothy lived her life in the best possible way. She shared everything she had with the people she loved, and leaves a legacy of determination, compassion, and kindness. Dorothy will be remembered by her family as the ideal mother, devoted to her family in every way. She graciously lived her life in the service of others.

Members of her family include her husband Carl of 62 years, 3 surviving children: Sharon and her husband Ray “Buzz” Trabbic , Lois Feher, and Bob Porter all of TN. Other members of her family include a daughter-in-law Marlene Porter of Erie MI, her twin sister Doris Steele of Plainwell, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and several step grandchildren. She follows in death her son Larry Porter in 2006. Learn more about Dorothy, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the same location. Burial will be in the Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. Please visit Dorothy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation.