Willis Bertrand Porter Jr.

New Iberia LA - A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Willis Bertrand Porter, Jr., will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Saint Katherine Drexel Family Life Center (175 Ambassador W. Lemelle Drive). Fr. Donald Bernard will be the Celebrant, officiating.
He will await the resurrection in the Mausoleum of Saint Edward Roman Catholic Church Cemetery (Dale Street) in New Iberia, LA following the Mass of Christian Burial.
Military Honors will be rendered.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Saint Katherine Drexel Family Life Center beginning at 7:30 A.M. until 9:45 A.M. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 A.M. followed by tributes/expressions.
Mr. Willis Bertrand Porter, Jr.-mathematician extraordinaire, devoted educator, beloved husband, veteran, and distinguished community leader-entered eternal rest on May 19, 2025. Born on August 23, 1928, in Patterson, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Willis Bertrand and Gertrude Jackson Porter, Sr. His life was one of uncommon brilliance, enduring purpose, and dedicated service to intellect and humanity.
On July 15, 1953, Mr. Porter married Geraldine Marie Dominique, his devoted wife and constant companion of over 70 years. Their union was built on love, faith, and a shared dedication to learning, family, and meaningful experiences.
A scholar of exceptional ability, Mr. Porter earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in 1951 and his Master of Science in Mathematics from The University of Michigan in 1958. He also held a Standard Teaching Credential in Junior College Teaching from the State of California, issued in 1970.
His distinguished career in education began in 1951, teaching mathematics at Iberville High School in Plaquemine, LA, followed by his appointment as principal of Melville Junior High School in 1952. In 1954, he began what would become a 45-year tenure with the Iberia Parish School Board, where he served as a mathematics and physics teacher at Jonas Henderson High School, a mathematics instructor at Southwest Louisiana Junior College, and later, Chair of the Mathematics Department at New Iberia Senior High School. During his leadership, he founded the National High School Mathematics Society and implemented a pioneering national testing program-shaping the academic lives of
countless students. He was a proud member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers' Association and remained deeply engaged in civic, educational, and fraternity life throughout his retirement.
Mr. Porter also served honorably in the United States Army, where he was assigned to artillery. His service, marked by dedication and sacrifice, led to a permanent loss of hearing due to the constant firing of large guns without adequate ear protection. He bore this wound with quiet strength and continued to exemplify the values of courage, discipline, and service that define our nation's veterans.
He was a founding member of the Rho Omicron Chapter of (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.). On January 1, 1948, Willis Porter, along with eight other members of brainstormed ideas that later gave rise to the Rho Omicron Chapter in New Iberia, LA. For over 75 years, Rho Omicron has continued to strive for excellence in the community.
An intellectual in every sense, Mr. Porter read multiple newspapers daily, followed the stock market with precision, and found great joy in crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and travel columns. A lifelong learner and lover of discovery, he and his beloved wife Geraldine enjoyed summers abroad and at sea-traveling to Paris, London, Honolulu, Alaska, and on numerous cruises.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter took great pride in caring for their home, particularly their yard. Their lawn and garden were always immaculately maintained, reflecting their shared love of beauty, discipline, and order. For their efforts, they earned numerous coveted awards recognizing their well-manicured and lovingly tended grounds.
Mr. Porter was a gifted baritone who loved to sing. He also played keyboards and found joy in sharing music with family and friends. One of his favorite songs was the beloved hymn "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Joseph, Harold, and Charles Porter, and Shirley Porter. He is survived by his devoted wife, Geraldine Marie Dominique Porter; cherished sisters-in-law: Mary Abraham, Janice Jackson (Oakland, CA), and Elsie Dominique (Alameda, CA); beloved godchild, Sonya Ann Dominique (River Ridge, LA); nephew, Joseph "JL" Porter and his wife Lynn; great-nephew,
Kenneth Porter, his wife Lisa, and their children, Nicholas and Kalee; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and faithful friends.
He was known for his depth of thought, good humor, and fierce competitiveness in games with friends and family. He brought wisdom to every room, compassion to every conversation, and left a mark of excellence on every life he touched.
Serving as Active Pallbearers are Ronald Boseman, Lionel Brown, Lionel Collins, Ronnie Louis, Robert Pinkney, Thaddeus Robinson, Brian Simpson and Willie Ware.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Ronald Arrington, Rev. Francis L. Davis, Eugene Dominique, Yannis Dominique, Ryan D. Fernandez,
Nicholas Long, Joseph "JL" Porter, and Members of Rho Omicron Chapter of (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.)
In celebration of his remarkable legacy, contributions may be made to the Rho Omicron Scholarship Fund.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org
Most sacred services are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-369-3341) 609 West Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560.