Carolyn Jo Kelley Porter, 83, died peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, June 13, 2020, in Dumas, Arkansas.
She was born May 7, 1937, in Sheridan, Arkansas, to the late Walter Wright Kelley and Lucille McCool Kelley, and also preceded in death by her husband, D.O. Porter III. She is survived by her loving sons, Wright (Rachel) and David (Marion), and her grandchildren: Jonathon, Samantha, Sabrina, and Stephanie Porter; one sister, Marilyn Vandergrist of Little Rock. She is also survived by her chosen family: Lynn and Romona Weatherford, Martin and Linda Walt, David and Susan Walt, and Harold and Genee Farmer.
Carolyn was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Dumas, and served as the church music director for 17 years. She also helped create the Children’s Choir in 1969 which is still active. She began teaching at Dumas High School in 1975 and worked as a yearbook and journalism sponsor for 15 years. She was a mother to all her students and to many friends.
Carolyn was deeply independent and always active in the betterment of her beloved community. She helped establish the Dumas Community Theatre where she directed and was actress in many plays, sat on Dumas City Council, and was the President of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce. Carolyn was named Dumas’ Woman of the Year in 1977 and was Ding Dong Mama in 1991. She was a member of the Desha County Historical Society, and the Delta Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was Teacher of the Year at Dumas High School in 1992 and 1994.
To be loved by Carolyn was a great and lasting gift. Her heart belonged wholly to service, to her family, and to her church. A private graveside service was held at Leek Cemetery in Star City, Arkansas, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, with Dr. Tandy Hanson and Dr. Hammett Evans officiating. A public memorial and tribute will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Dumas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Music Dept., 230 Court St., Dumas, AR 71639.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, AR. Please sign online guestbook: www.griffinfh.com
