Obituary of Jean Porter
In Loving Memory of Jean Porter
January 12, 1939 – January 26, 2025
Jean Porter, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of Jehovah, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on January 12, 1939, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late William and Mary Banks, Jean lived a life full of love, faith, and service.
Jean married James Porter, and together they raised their son, Jermaine Porter, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Banks, her sister, Emma Jean Toms, and her husband, James Porter.
Jean’s devotion to children was evident in her work as the owner and operator of Genie's Daycare Center in East Orange, New Jersey. Known for her warmth and care, she touched the lives of countless children and families in the community, creating lasting memories and friendships.
While Jean found joy in her work, her greatest passion was studying God's Word and learning about His promises for everlasting life. On October 23, 2016, Jean dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her journey of faith began in the Central Congregation in East Orange, and as life led her to new homes, she became a member of the North English Congregation in Plainfield, New Jersey, and later the East English Plainfield Congregation.
Jean loved attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and cherished her spiritual community. Despite the challenges of advancing illness, she remained steadfast in her faith, never missing a Midweek meeting. Even when walking became difficult, her determination and devotion inspired all who knew her.
Jean held firmly to the hope found in John 11:25, where Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” She put her trust in Jehovah’s promise and looked forward to the resurrection with unwavering faith.
Jean is survived by her sister, Joanna Arnold; her children, Sharon Banks, Stephanie Maxwell (and her husband Timothy), William Banks (and his wife Anna, McClinton Spruill; her granddaughters Shannon Banks and Sajaydah Turner; her grandsons, William Banks Jr. and Joshua Banks; as well as four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her but lovingly remembered as a beacon of love, faith, and hope.
We gather to celebrate her legacy and share the hope of seeing her again in the resurrection. In the words of the Bible, “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.” (Psalm 37:29). Until that day, we hold her memory close to our hearts.