Ethel Ann de Cordova Porter, of McKinney, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 following a brief illness, at age 77.
She was born in Blum, Texas, January 9, 1936 to Irvin de Cordova, Jr. and Lucille de Cordova (Russell). The family moved to Groesbeck, Texas in 1944. Ethel Ann graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1954, before attending Baylor University, where she graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. At a chance meeting, Ethel met Walker Porter over ice cream and they were married shortly after her graduation. After living in Columbus, Mississippi and Temple, Texas, Ethel and Walker moved to Groesbeck in 1964. In 1973, Walker’s veterinarian’s practice took the family to El Paso until their retirement to McKinney in 2003.
Ethel helped create a wonderful life with and for her husband and four children through involvement in many school, community and church activities. She was known for being an accomplished seamstress; winning several competitions while at Baylor and loved sewing the children’s clothing through out the years. She also enjoyed craft club and quilting while living in El Paso. Ethel was a Baylor Bear through and through – rooting for the Lady Bears and the football team every season. Her Baylor activities included serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Family/Consumer Sciences Association.
Known for her steadfast faith, resilience and the abundant care she provided for all those around her, it goes without saying that Ethel was loved by so many.
Ethel’s many family members and friends have always cherished her sweet nature and sunshine smile. She could be counted on to make life brighter. And, she certainly made life taste better with her renowned cooking skills. Ethel would gladly cook each grandchild’s favorite, whether it was banana pancakes or chicken and dumplings. Ethel’s gift was to always care for those around her.
Over the last decade, Ethel truly savored her “retired” life with Walker in McKinney, attending First Baptist McKinney, where she was an active member in church and Sunday school. Always on the go, she enjoyed working in the Boutique at Steinmart and playing “42” with her vast circle of friends. Ethel and Walker also relished attending their grandchildren’s events as well as, traveling with friends.
She is survived by her husband, of 55 years, Walker Brittain Porter, DVM; her sister Peggy Champion, Mexia; children, Britt Porter (Sylvia) of El Paso; June Allen (Charles) of Gainesville, Florida; Holly Jones (David) of Waco and Kent Porter (Ginger) of Dallas. Her grandchildren include Gentry and Brooke Allen; Jacob and Kristopher Jones; Sterling, John Walker and Holt Porter. She is also survived by a beloved extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Russell de Cordova.
Visitation will be Friday, July 12th, 2013 from 5-7 pm at ?Turrentine Jackson Morrow? Funeral Home, Allen, Texas. Services will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2013 10 am at First Baptist Church McKinney, Dr. Jerry Lemon officiating, 1615 W Louisiana St, McKinney, TX 75069.
An additional viewing will be held on Saturday at 4pm, Groesbeck Funeral Home, 1215 E Yeagua St, Groesbeck, Texas with a graveside service at 5:45 pm, Faulkenberry Cemetery, Groesbeck.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in her memory to The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231.