Alta Mae Jones Porter, age 88, of Wellston, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012, at Heartland of Jackson. She was born December 24, 1923 in Fort Gay, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Gus Moody Bishop and Mary Margaret Rowe Elum. Mae was a loving homemaker. She was a former longtime member of the Zaleski Free Will Baptist Church and was presently a member of the Glenroy Community Church. Mae had served as secretary for the Jackson County Free Will Baptist Church Conference for 26 years.
She is survived by her husband, whom she married February 24, 1993, Dearl Porter; six children, Lola G. Jones Lagedrost (Don) of Wellston, Carol Sue Jones Williams (Kenneth) of Belpre, Kenny Jones (Coleen) of Wellston, Randy Jones (Karin Halvorsen) of Wellston, Connie Jones Coy of Wellston and Cindy Jones (Eric Case) of Wellston; five step-children, Sandy Porter Hargis (George) of Pace, Fla., Bob Porter (Kathy) of Ashville, N.C., Bill Porter (Cindy) of New Marshfield, Mike Porter (Connie) of West Virginia, and Christine Norris (Raymond) of Jackson; sister, Patricia Jo Guy of Port Orange, Fla.; brother, John Bishop of Wooster, as well as 16 grandchildren, 29 step-grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 52 years, Lowell K. Jones in 1992; four brothers, Max Bishop, Cliff Bishop, Jim Bishop and Russell Bishop; two sisters, Eileen Bishop and Ann Fernandez; step-son, Phil Porter; two step-grandsons, Patrick and Jason Norris and step-great-grandson, Nicholas Porter.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Jones and Pastor Donald Kincaid officiating. Burial will follow in the Byer Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.