Marydele Highsmith Porter

Obituary for Marydele Highsmith Porter

Longtime Mathis resident Marydele Porter, 91, died Sunday, August 14, 2022, in a Corpus Christi hospital surrounded by family.  A memorial service will be held Wednesday August 24 at 2:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church of Mathis.

She was born in Corpus Christi TX on September 18, 1930, to Rev W.S. Highsmith and Zuella Smith Highsmith.

Marydele grew up in many places across south Texas. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, the family moved frequently. Her father was assigned to the Mathis church in 1947 where Marydele renewed a church camp friendship with her future husband, Thomas Porter. In 1949 after attending two years of college she and Thomas were married and started their life together on a farm outside of Mathis. 

When her children were older, Marydele finished her degree and graduated from Texas A&I University in 1968. She taught in the Mathis ISD for 25 years as a beloved elementary school teacher. Marydele’s family and her church were central in her life. She served on many boards and committees at FUMC Mathis where she was a member for nearly 75 years. She was also a member of Mathis Literary Club, Garden Club, Mathis Library board, and Bridge Club.

In addition to her parents, Marydele was predeceased by her husband Thomas Porter, a brother, Bill Highsmith, a son Tommy Porter and a grandson Cotton Porter.  She is survived by her children Ellen (Jeff) Allen of Graham, Will (Janice) Porter of Mathis,  Bob (Jeanne) Porter of Austin, daughter in law Kathy Porter of Leakey and sister in law Joan Highsmith of Hattiesburg MS. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Jacob (Krystal) Porter Coahoma, Caleb (Jami) Porter of Humble, Ryan Porter of Mathis, Shalene Beverly of Austin, Kyle (Nikki) Porter of Bushland, Taylor Porter of Austin, Thomas (Tara) Allen of Houston, Travis (Sydne) Allen of Kinston, NC, and Emily (Bryan) Delgado of Fort Worth. Marydele, known fondly by her family as Mimi, is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Blassa Sandoval, Jannalee Williams, Kasey Rosas, and Janie Martinez for their devoted care and companionship for Mimi in her final years.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Marydele’s honor could be made to FUMC Mathis, TX or the charity of your choice.