V. Jean Porter, age 88 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Alhambra Rehab & Health Care in Alhambra, IL.
She was born on Sunday, October 18, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Rev. Alvin and Mabel (nee Reed) Coonley.
On Saturday, September 15, 1956, she married Allen L. Porter in Pinckneyville, Illinois, who passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023.
She was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. She was also a member of the Raccoon Ramblers Camping Club.
Jean was born in the City of St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in East St. Louis, the daughter of a Pentecostal minister. They later moved to Pinckneyville where she met Allen, and they began a family in Nashville, IL. Jean worked at the Egg Factory in Nashville until 1965 when she began working at the Washington County Hospital in Nashville. Jean and Allen moved their family to Highland in 1969, and she went to work as a Nurse’s Assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Jean retired in 1985, and she and Allen began traveling to Arizona in the winter months and returned to Nashville until 2016 when they moved back to Highland.
Jean was a force to be reckoned with. Fiercely protective of her family and never afraid to speak her mind. She knew everyone, remembered everything, and was sharp as a tack to the very end. She adored traveling with her husband, cherished baking, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidering, and made sure each of the grandkids received a quilt from her. Jean was also a big Cardinal baseball fan. While she will be missed deeply, her family will carry her stories, her strength and her love with them always.
Survivors include:
- Son – Richard A. (Kathy) Porter, Sr., Highland, IL
- Daughter-In-Law – Robin Porter, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Richard A. (Danielle) Porter, Jr., Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Megan Marie (Significant Other-Justin Giger) Porter, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Amanda Leigh (Significant Other-Matt Dixon) Porter, Highland, IL
- Step Grandchild – Abigail L. Hamilton
- Great Grandchild – Travis C. Porter, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Kylee E. Hediger, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Carson A. Porter, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Alexis M. Porter, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Savannah J. Porter, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Zane M. Dixon, Highland, IL
- Nieces and Nephews – Many
She was preceded in death by:
- Husband – Allen L. Porter, died 10/13/2023
- Father – Rev. Alvin C. Coonley, died 12/10/2000
- Mother – Mabel B. Coonley (nee Reed), died 6/4/1990
- Son – Todd M. Porter – Died 10/26/1984
- Son – Mark K. Porter – Died 1/20/2007
- Brother – Alvin “Clifford” Coonley, Jr., died 11/10/1986
- Sister – Ruth Frederick, died 5/17/2002
- Sister – Hazel Kell, died 11/30/2013
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, Evangelical United Church of Christ, officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to EvUCC.
