Betty Joe Porter

On October 12th, Betty Joe Porter (Greene), wife of James and mother to Stephen and Whitney, was released from her earthly burdens by the Lord and taken to Heaven, where fully restored she will be reunited with her grandson Adam, her brother Robert Greene, and her mother and father Effie and Robert Greene.

Betty was born on September 10, 1937, in Lufkin, Texas, and shortly thereafter moved to Crockett, Texas, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. Two years later she was joined by her brother Robert.

While in Crockett she spent her time cultivating her talent as a singer and as a student. She sang on her father’s radio show and graduated Salutatorian from Crockett High School and attended the University of Texas where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1959.

She moved to Houston where she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Porter. They were married on June 22, 1963. Two years later her first child Stephen was born and three years later her daughter Whitney was born. She decided to go back to school so she could pursue counseling as a vocation. She earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Houston in 1969. She became a High School Counselor at Milby High School in Houston and continued to work there until her retirement in 2011. During that time, she changed numerous students’ lives with her caring and committed efforts on their behalf. It was impossible to go out to dinner or anywhere in public without encountering one of her grateful students who would thank her profusely for everything she had done for them. In 2001 she was recognized by the Texas Counselors Association as Outstanding Counselor of the year formalizing what her students over the last three decades already knew. She had found a purpose working with students to ensure a better life thru education and was there to assist them with the many challenges they encountered while transitioning to become adults. When not ministering to her students she was a dutiful mother to her children and for a time lead the music at St. Lukes Catholic Church in Houston.

She became a grandmother in 1996 and was delighted by her granddaughter Ashley Porter. They formed a fast friendship as shopping buddies and she doted on Ashley for most of her younger years and was so proud of Ashley’s accomplishments when she became an adult which included graduation from her Alma mater, the University of Texas. She also dearly loved her grandson Adam and was saddened by his passing at the age of fifteen but now they are together in eternity watching over us.

She was afflicted with Alzheimer’s in her later years which clouded her memories and made it difficult for her to travel or socialize. She remained amazingly cheerful and pleasant up until her final days even when her health was poor, and she was in pain. She would tell everyone she met how grateful she was for them and their help. While it was challenging to care for someone with this disability for such a long period of time, her demeanor made it so much easier and allowed us to keep her at home until her passing. With the help of her husband Jim, her daughter-in-law Anne and caregiver Tamara she was able to live out her final days surrounded by loved ones. We feel so blessed to have been able to keep her happy and comfortable up to and including her final moments. We are also appreciative of Halcyon Hospice nurses who helped her and the family through this difficult time. A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at 302 Medical Parkway, Lakeway Texas, on Saturday October 21st from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm.