Emma Jean Porter

Mrs. Emma Jean Porter was born July 28, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan.  She was the eldest of three children born to John and Gertrude Waddell.  Both parents preceded her in death.  Emma departed this life on February 25, 2023.

She was educated in the Detroit Public School system and graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1974.  She went on to attend Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education. 

While at Rust College she met the love of her life, Michael Porter Sr., who she married on July 28, 1979.  They moved to Kansas City, KS and to this union 2 sons were born to whom she was a devoted mother.  They celebrated 24 beautiful years together.  Michael Porter Sr. preceded her in death on July 14, 2004.

She united with Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, where she was a faithful member who served as a Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the choir and usher board. 

Emma was a substitute teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas school district for many years.  In her spare time, she loved to cook, clean, travel, and could often be found tending her garden.  She had a smile that would light up the room and a personality to match.  She never met a stranger and always had a way of making others feel special.  She overflowed with love for her family and friends, and even in her time of illness would always remember to ask how others were doing.

In addition to her parents and husband, Emma was preceded in death by one brother, Marcellus Waddell.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Michael Porter Jr. (Twyla), Raytown, MO; Adrian Porter (Tasha), Kansas City, MO.  One brother Ronald Waddell, Fulton, MS; two sisters-in-law Joyce Jefferson (Tommy), Richmond, VA and Wanda Robinson, Kansas City, KS; two brothers-in-law Wayne Stewart, Kansas City, KS, and Dwight Higgins, Sperllington, CO.  Two special aunts, Bettye Clemons (Mack), Fulton, MS and Sallye Oliver, Clarksville, TN; One uncle Gillie Blanchard (Elease), Detroit, MI.  Five grandchildren: Michaelya, Aria, Ameris, Xavier, and Aidan; one great grandchild Kaena.  A host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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