Paula Marie Porter

Paula was born on May 6, 1958, in Oklahoma City, OK, to John Paul and Doris Burnett Adams. She was the beloved baby sister of Rodney Adams.

A graduate of Southeast High School’s Class of 1976, Paula later joined her family’s business, Diamond Vending, where they specialized in the trinkets, toys, and candy-filled capsules that brought joy to countless children worldwide.

On April 9, 1995, Paula married the love of her life, Michael Jay Porter, at the Crystal Bridge in the OKC Myriad Gardens. The couple honeymooned in Paris, France, and 2025 would have marked their 30th wedding anniversary. Paula and Mike shared an unwavering devotion, and they were truly partners in every way.

Together, they built a successful Mexican restaurant, Casa Perico’s, which grew to five locations across the metro area at its height. Paula and Mike ran the restaurant side by side for almost 20 years before selling the business in 2015, though they continued to support and visit it regularly.

Paula was a Mom in every sense of the word. Known to many as “Maw Maw” and though she was technically also a stepmother, she never claimed that title—she was a Bonus Mom, and she was a bonus to many. Her home and heart were always open. If you needed some love or a place to go for the holidays, you were guaranteed a warm welcome and plenty of food.

With 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and counting, Paula never missed an opportunity to shower them with love. Her Christmas tree was surrounded (and often buried) under a mountain of presents, ensuring that every child felt special.

Paula treasured family photos. Her #1 rule was never delete a photo. Eyes open or closed, a smile or a mouthful of food, no matter the expression. If it captured her family’s faces, it was a keeper.

Beyond her role as a devoted matriarch, Paula was a force to be reckoned with—a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and bodybuilder, added an extra layer of credibility to her “momma bear” nature.

Paula had a passion for decorating, going all out for every holiday, and a gift for gardening. She was also an avid cook and cookbook collector, owning thousands of cookbooks, which she read like novels. “Favorites Night” was a cherished tradition, where she would prepare a loved one’s favorite meal.

A talented baker, Paula was known for her elaborate custom cakes, including a realistic basketball cake and countless princess and doll cakes.

A true hostess with the mostest, Paula planned and hosted countless showers, themed parties, and poolside gatherings. If you were close to Paula and Mike, chances were they hosted your special occasion—and Paula probably baked the cake too.

She is lovingly remembered by:

Her devoted husband, Mike Porter; daughter, Beth Thomas; bonus children: Ryan Porter, Clint Porter and wife Leslie, Rachel Porter, and Rebecca Porter; grandchildren: Taylor Kinney and Brandon Kinney—whom Paula and Mike raised as their own—Alicia Deleon, Deanna Deleon, Grant Porter, Wrenna Porter, Elicia Davis-Porter, Journee Tharp-Porter, Prudence Pomeroy, Kaydence Thomas, Karissa Thomas, Kirsten Thomas, Kelsey Thomas, and Kristian Thomas; great-grandchildren: Maisie Kinney and Zavier Davis; brother, Rodney Adams; nephew, Matt Adams, wife Leilani and children Ethan and Jackson, niece, Rachel Adams and son Ryo; brother-in-law, Marc Charney, and bonus nephews Josiah Charney, partner Marissa and daughters Lillian and Eleanor, Jacob Charney and wife Stephanie Smith-Charney.

She is reunited in heaven with her mother, Doris Adams; parents-in-law, J.V. and Edna Porter; aunts, Juanita Burnett and Blanchie Ruth Carey; uncle, Deffert Burnett; aunt-in-law, Ruth Lowdon, and sister-in-law, Linda Charney.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

and the dust returns to the ground it came from,

and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

A visitation for Paula will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.

A celebration of life will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home and interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City.