Ella Jean Porter
October 23, 1924 – July 17, 2021
Ella Jean Hollon was born to Jess and Rosie Carlisle Hollon on October 23, 1924 in Florence, Texas. She passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 after 96 years of tremendous love for her family and friends.
In 1925, Ella Jean’s family moved to Mathis. She graduated from Mathis High School in 1942 and then from Southwest Texas State Teachers College where she was honored as a Galardian. She went on to teach Home Economics for one year in Harlingen and then moved back to Mathis where she taught for 35 years. She often said she was not ready to retire when she did because she enjoyed teaching so much.
Ella Jean was baptized in October 1937 at First Baptist Church of Mathis. She moved her membership to San Marcos during her college years but moved it back to Mathis when she returned. She was a faithful member of FBC Mathis for the rest of her life. Even after moving to Franklin in 2012, she wanted to leave her membership in Mathis because the church was so dear to her.
Ella Jean married her childhood sweetheart, James Howell Porter, on August 24, 1946. Together they raised their 3 children, Debby, Jimmy, and Jeanne, generously pouring into them all of their love, time and attention.
Ella Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Rosie Hollon, her husband Porter, brothers JW Hollon and Garland Hollon, and sister Earlene Dehnisch. She is survived by her daughter Debby Porter of Cold Spring, son and daughter-in-law Jimmy and Luane Porter of Alpine, daughter and son-in-law Jeanne and Mike (Duba) Brewer of Franklin, sister Mary Jo Tobin of Dallas, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many dear nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Dobie Funeral Home Chapel. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Dobie Funeral Home Chapel with graveside services to follow in Cenizo Hill Cemetery.