Obituary of Esther Jean Porter

Esther Jean Porter (“Jean”), age 93, made her transition on July 15, 2024. She is survived by her daughters Rhonda Rademacher (Wayne) of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jeanne Devine of New York, New York, her grandson Harrison Rademacher of Lynnwood, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sisters Elva, Betty, Mary and Helen and her loving husband of 72 years, John Abraham Porter.

Jean was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1930, to Esther and Daniel Harrison. Before having children, Jean worked as a documentation nurse assistant at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After her daughters arrived, she proudly raised them for 10 years as the quintessential PTA mom. Then she reentered the workforce as an Office Manager for State Farm Insurance, retiring in 1992.

To stay busy after retirement, Jean was a long-time active member of Brown Chapel AME church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She did community service with Alzheimer’s patients through the church’s Silver Club, sponsored by the Turner Geriatric Club. She supported the Virtuous Women’s Ministry and the Willing Workers. She added a decorative touch to the church sanctuary with beautiful flower arrangements, and when she couldn’t attend in person, she watched Sunday services on her iPad.

She loved spending time with her grandson, visiting her daughters and taking family vacations.

She will be missed.