Mearlie Porchia

Mrs. Mearlie Willingham Porchia passed from her earthly life to eternal life on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Mearlie was born to the union of James and Catherine (Sutton) Willingham, Sr. on December 27, 1951, in Camden, Arkansas. She was the fourth of five children and was raised in a Christian home. Her parents brother, James Willingham, Jr., and sister, Shirley Willingham Porchia preceded her in death.
Her early educational journey began at Carver Elementary School and from there she attended Carver High School, Stephens, Arkansas, where she graduated in May 1970. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development.
She married her high school sweetheart, Edgar A. Porchia, Jr., on December 20, 1975, and to this union, two children were born, Kerri and Byron. Mearlie accepted Christ at an early age at New Home African Methodist Episcopal Church, Stephens, AR. She was a member of the youth choir and enjoyed attending with her family.
Mearlie's occupational career began as a daycare teacher in Little Rock, AR. She then worked at Philander Smith College as a head cashier. Later, she worked in the Little Rock Public School System as a teacher for many years. She ended her career at Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) after working there for several years.
After retiring, she loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and other family members. Her hobbies included shopping, traveling, cooking, and enjoying watching her grandchildren play sports.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Edgar A. Porchia, Jr.; two children – Kerri Freeman (Terry), Scott, Arkansas; Byron Porchia, Maumelle, Arkansas; three grandchildren; Cameron Freeman, Zaydan Freeman and Adasyn Freeman all of Scott, Arkansas; two sisters- Betty S. Willingham, Stephens, Arkansas and Janice W. Veasy (Alfred), Stephens, Arkansas; one uncle- J.M. Sutton (Selma), Milwaukee, Wisconsin; several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, relatives, and friends.