Meredie "Toni" Porterfield

Meredie (Toni) Dozier Porterfield

1922-2014

A long time resident of the Napa Valley, was born in San Francisco on December 18, 1922, passing away January 22, 2014.   That city was also the birthplace of her great grandmother, Elizabeth Davis Watson in 1847, the granddaughter of Napa pioneer, George Yount by his youngest daughter, Elizabeth Yount and London -born John Davis, an early ship builder in San Francisco, then called Yerba Buena under Mexican rule.

Moving to the Napa Valley in 1968, Toni was returning to the roots of five branches of her family tree.  Her mother and grandmother were born in the Thomas Earl landmark house built in 1860 on Seminary Street.  Her mother, Helen Wilkins was also the granddaughter of Dr. Edmund T. Wilkins, one of the early planners and second superintendent of the Napa State Hospital.  Toni's father, Yount Dozier who served in France in World War I, was the great- great-grandson of George Yount, the grandson of Dr. Leonard F. Dozier, 4th superintendent of the Napa State Hospital and grandson of William C. Watson, owner of Nook Farm and Health Spa in Rutherford on land that eventually became part of the Inglenook Winery.

Toni always believed she was the one descendent of George Yount who felt the way he did about the Napa Valley.  She also appreciated the art classes and trips sponsored by the Napa Valley College and enjoyed both for many years. Her other interest of historical research led to becoming a volunteer contributor to the Napa Valley Historical Society's publication of "Gleanings."   Other historical groups of which she was a member were the Native Daughters of The Golden West, D.A.R., U.D.C., Colonial Dames, Sharpsteen Museum, and Napa Valley Museum.

Toni was the last descendent living in the Napa Valley of her five branches of pioneer families.  At her request, there will be no service or memorial.  Interment will be private at the Earl Mausoleum at Tulocay Cemetary.  Please sign the guestbook at treadwaywigger.com