Ollie B. Porter, age 85, transitioned to be with the Lord on Monday, March 18, 2019. She was born January 10, 1934, in Marianna, Florida to Evelyn Bell Smith and Clarence Bell. Through this union, Ollie had one sister, Cora B. Mack.
Ollie was a graduate of Florida Normal Industrial Memorial College in St. Augustine, Florida where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. She began her career as a teacher at Union Grove School in Florida.
On June 10, 1956, Ollie married Eddie L. Porter. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage. Ollie and Eddie relocated to Newark, NJ shortly after they were wed.
Ollie continued her career as a teacher in the Newark Public School system on September 1, 1960. She served as an educator for 38 years. Ollie tirelessly advocated for the rights of Newark’s children to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success. Teaching children to read was her passion and area of expertise. As an avid reader, Ollie recognized how mastering the skill of reading was the key to every child’s future. She was a member of the Newark Teacher’s Union, the New Jersey Education Association and numerous other affiliations.
Ollie was a faithful member of St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, New Jersey for over 60 years. She served her community as a member of the Missionary Society at St. James by helping to feed and clothe the homeless and underserved families in the community.
Ollie is survived by her husband Eddie; her children, Jacquelyn and son in-law Elliot Farms, Angela, Tijuana, and Sharese; grandchildren, Emerald, Trey, Makeda and Amari; her sisters, Cora B. Mack, Marlo Bell-Engram, and Edna Bell-Choice; her brother, Freddie Barnes; her in-laws, Roy Porter, Helen Godwin, Iola Bell, and Lillie Mae Porter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, Coreatha Everette, Mamie Churchwell, Lucinda White, and Rev. Dr. Mary White Williams. Her mother and father in-law Frozena and Emory Porter, and brother in-law Robert Porter, preceded her in death.
Family, friends and others whose lives were touched by Ollie are invited to Vann Funeral Home in Marianna, FL on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 3:00-6:00 pm to offer condolences to the family. Funeral services will be held on March 30, 2019, at 11:00am at Henshaw Chapel AME Church, Cottondale, FL. Interment in the Mount Tabor Cemetery, Marianna, FL.
