Marian Ellyn Porter

Marian Ellyn Payne Porter, 95, of Mont Belvieu, Texas, went home to Jesus on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. She was born to Alfred and Jean Payne on January 4, 1930, in Saratoga, TX. Until her little sister, Erma, came along, Marian was the only girl in a house with five brothers. As the only girl, she came alongside her mother to do the cooking and other household chores. Worth noting is that Marian never missed a day of school. Consequently, she did not allow her children to miss school unnecessarily thereby instilling in them the same sense of responsibility.

Marian married the love of her life, Earl "Bue" Porter, on March 21, 1952. Earl brought to the marriage a beautiful dark-eyed curly-headed daughter named Robbie. Robbie was soon big sister to Rodney and Morgan. The couple moved from Saratoga to Mont Belvieu where they lived the remainder of their days.

Soon after moving to Mont Belvieu, the family began attending the First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu. Marian became a member on October 18, 1953. For the last few years, she has been the oldest living member of the church. For many years Marian was active in various ministries including the benevolence committee, Women on Mission, and the kitchen committee. She often volunteered as Bible school teacher and Sunday school teacher.

Marian had many talents. She enjoyed oil painting and gifting these to her family and friends. She used her artistic talents for crafting and decorating. Earl often said you better turn on the light if you got up during the night because she'd probably rearranged the furniture. When the church moved from "The Hill" to its current location, she was part of the decorating committee. Marian took great pride in being a homemaker. An excellent cook, Marian loved having all the family gather round the table for meals. Additionally, she could cook for very large crowds of friends who came round for fish fries and barbeques.

A perfect quote for her life is "Behind every great man is a great woman". Earl was a great community man and she supported every one of his endeavors. Cooking for the many barbecue cookoffs and other fund raisers is just a glimpse of what she did. She also had her own roles to play. Not only was she very involved in starting the Barbers Hill Museum, she was also involved in running Mont Belvieu and Chambers County elections.

Marian was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered for her humor, strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, her brothers, and a niece and nephew.

Marian is survived by one daughter and two sons, Robbie Forehand of Baytown, TX, Morgan and wife Patti of Navasota, TX, and Rodney and wife Carol of Anahuac, TX.; one sister, Erma Jean Watson and husband Byron of Kirbyville, TX; brother-in-law, Terry Adam of Temple, TX. Her grandchildren include Lance Fogtman, KC Clark-Porter, Jake Porter, Jennifer Gardner, and Clay Porter. Great-grandchildren include Hallye Fogtman, Drew Fogtman, Julia Gardner, Mitch Gardner, Matthew Lowry, Michael Lowry, Reese Gardner, Paige Gardner, Magnolia Porter, Lottie Porter, Ethan Porter, and Sofia Porter. She also leaves behind great-great-grandchildren Bodhi and Elijah Avila, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.

Two very special, long-time caregivers, Sandra Vargo and Paula Greene, who are friends that are more like family, have been left behind. The family is indebted to them for their dedication to the well-being of their beloved mother and grandmother. Additionally, the family is grateful for the dedicated care provided by Ascend Hospice for over two years. Both Allison Nyers and Daenera Landry have our deepest gratitude for their kindness and compassion.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas, with a graveside and committal service to follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.

Marian's family finds comfort knowing she is home with the Lord and reunited with her beloved Earl and other family who went before her.They are grateful for her legacy of love, faith, and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her honor to The First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu Vision Fund, P.O. Box 1167, Mont Belvieu, TX 77580 or to the Barbers Hill Homecoming and Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 904, Mont Belvieu, TX