Mary Dell Worley Porter

Mary W. Porter, age 87, of Argyle & Frisco, Texas, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021.  She was born on July 11, 1933, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Charles Hartley Worley, Sr. and Mattie Lou Greer Worley.

Mary was a mother, artist and world traveler.  Prior to her retirement, Mary was the Executive Assistant to the State Veterinarian in Jackson, Mississippi, and interacted with top veterinarians across the state. She loved animals and enjoyed being able to participate in the care of all kinds of animals from a kitten to an elephant that crossed her path in her work.

Her artistic talent was seen from clothing design to her paintings.  She designed and made Halloween costumes for her kids when they were young and even made costumes for her daughter and friends during their college days.  She enhanced patterns to make each of her daughter's evening gowns from prom to ball events. She loved all types of art.  Drawing and painting were her passion and were a daily part of her creative lifestyle.  Her work was featured in art shows across Mississippi, including in the state capitol in Jackson.  The Mississippi Art Guild featured her in an event with other artists, and her works hung in libraries and banks throughout the area. Mary did not seek the spotlight, and much of her artistry went unrecognized.  However, she made lasting contributions by teaching art to friends and neighbors. She was always exploring new techniques. Once she attended her great niece's art exhibit in Dallas, TX.  She loved looking at Grayson's pieces and at age 84 was eager to learn the new techniques she observed to add to her own skills.

Mary was a Louisiana native. She and her husband, Clyde, moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, before transferring to Tulsa.  While in Tulsa, she was active in PTA when her children were young.  She also taught Vacation Bible School at Eastwood Baptist Church in Tulsa.  Mary and Clyde then moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where she started her career.  Eight years ago, Mary moved to Texas to be closer to her children and shared many adventures with them.

Mary traveled domestically and internationally with her children to France, England, Italy and Alaska. She sang in churches across Italy with the Park Cities Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of her brother. She was a member of Park Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi.

Those who knew Mary were fortunate to have known an extraordinarily loving, caring and faithful servant to her Lord.  She was shy and reserved. However, her wit was seen in her art and when she was with friends and family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph Clyde Porter, Jr., and her brother, Charles H. Worley, Jr. She is survived by her children, daughter, Cindy Porter of Frisco, TX; son, Brian Daniel Porter & wife Jackie of Argyle, TX; sisters, Martha Lou Kirkpatrick & husband Eugene(Gene) of Tyler TX, Nancy Claire Strobo & husband Wayne of Lewisville, TX; sister-in-law, Gay Cobb Worley of Frisco, TX; niece and nephews, Charles (Chas) Hartley Worley III & wife Teresa, Kennedy Lynn Lovette & husband John, and Gabe Kirkpatrick; great nieces and nephew, Grayson Lovette, Jack Lovette, Hartley Hutcheson, Paisley Bloom and Ava Robinson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton, TX 76201.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the American Heart Association or an arts organization of your choice.