Fannie Mae Porter

The world was first introduced to the lovely Miss Fannie Mae Smith on January 28, 1942. Born to the late Mr. Riley Smith and Mrs. Zelma Parks Smith in College Station, AR. From humble beginnings, Fannie was rooted in a rich legacy of faith and family. Fannie graduated from J.C. Cook High School in Wrightsville in 1959 and worked at Ottenheimer and Timex. She received her Associates Degree from Arkansas Baptist College and went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Excelling in her field, she soon became a trainer for newer colleagues before advancing to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She found a home in General Surgery and worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as the charge nurse for general surgery for over 33 years. During her time at UAMS, she trained many residents who would go on to become excellent surgeons. She later continued her service at St. Vincent before her retirement. Fannie professed her hope in Christ and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church in College Station at an early age. She remained a member of Antioch until she united with St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock under the leadership of Bishop Steven M. Arnold and later Pastor Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Shortly after graduating high school, Fannie met Mr. Don Porter, a gentle and handsome young man in the community who would often help her mother and was the brother of her hairdresser, Mrs. Helen Williams Evans. Eventually, Don asked Fannie out, and what began as an introduction soon blossomed into a lifelong love. They were married on February 27, 1961 and would spend the next 50 years together before his passing. Don adored Fannie, and would often remark, “Here comes my pretty woman” whenever she would enter the room. Their union was blessed with three biological children, Jonathan, Stephanie, and Donald. Later Derrick, and then Leroy, Rhonda, and Selina were added to the mix. The Porter home was a place where friends became family, and many affectionately knew her simply as “Mom.” Though her professional accomplishments were many, Fannie’s heart truly belonged to her family. If you were family, you belonged. She cherished time spent with her sisters, laughed joyously with her nieces, and held dear the fond memories of her brothers. She believed in presenting oneself well and instilled in her family the value of a good education coupled with hard work. She loved to see a well-groomed man and never missed her own regular hair and nail appointments until her health no longer allowed it. She was always well put together! So much could be said about such an amazing woman. In every aspect of her life, Fannie carried herself with poise, strength, and unmistakable presence. Her infectious laugh and radiant smile would light up any room. Her life left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and loved being pampered. To her husband, children, grands, and great-grands, she was their Queen. She wore many hats well, but her most treasured title was that of Grammie. She adored each of her grandchildren beyond measure and was their biggest supporter. Whether attending games, graduations, plays, weddings, or celebrations of any kind, if she was able, she was present, offering proud cheers, warm hugs, and loving encouragement. She delighted in keeping up with each of their lives and never missed an opportunity to share just how proud she was of each of them. Outside of her devotion to her family, Fannie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid shopper and would seldom pass an opportunity to make a quality purchase. She loved staying current with the latest news and faithfully followed her favorite shows and soap operas. Her spaghetti, porkchops, candied yams, mac-n-cheese, sweet potato pies, German chocolate cakes, pound cakes, and peach cobblers were family favorites and will be missed. Fannie now joins in eternal rest those who preceded her in death: her doting husband, Don Porter; her parents, Deacon Riley Smith and Zelma Parks Smith; her bonus dad, Homer “Papa Homer” Brown; her stepmother, Euradelle Smith; her paternal grandparents, Clarence Riley Smith and Fannie Haney Smith; her maternal grandparents, Seth Parks and Mattie Jane Elizabeth Gill Parks; her brothers, Lee Chester Brown and Clarence Smith, Sr., and Michael Dixon; her sisters, Corrine Harris Curry, Queen Esther Smith Dennis, Barbra Faye Thornton, Clora Evelyn Smith Hollins Holloway; Zelma Jean Smith Davie Porter, Margaret Ann Smith Abercrombie, Deloris Lewis, and Glendora Dixon. Left to cherish fond memories of her: her sons Jonathan Keith Porter and Donald Wayne Porter; her daughter Stephanie Gail (Andre) Martin - all of Little Rock. Her bonus sons, Derrick (Shannon) Jackson and Leroy (Ashanti) Ayers and her bonus daughters, Rhonda Holmes and Selina Porter. Her beloved grandchildren: Donna Gail Porter, Donterio Lamar Porter, Andrea Nicole Martin, Dr. Elissabeth Paige (Jaren, J.D.) Hagler, Sarah Alayne Martin, Donielle Latriece Porter, Seth Andre Martin, and Emani Se’relle Allen. Her great-grandchildren: Jeilyn Stewart, Nyla Early, Hannah Porter, Jaiden Davis, Alyse Porter, Alayah Hagler, Lydia Porter, Aiden Hagler, Zoe Hagler and Delilah Smith. Her sisters: Dr. Jacqueline D. Smith, Classie Brown-Hill, Shirley Brown, Evelyn (Lanzell) Dixon, Debra (Larry) Boner, and Feleecia (Gregory) Jefferson. Special nephews: Sam (Jackie) Hollins, Antoine Gordon, and Clarence Smith, Jr. Special nieces: Patricia McDaniel, Versa Porter, and Donna (Ricky) Houston. A bonus grandson, Kenneth “Javin” (Shari) Fobbs, a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, extended relatives, classmates, and friends.

Fannie Mae Porter

January 28, 1942 - March 24, 2026