Dorris Ann Gentry Porter's Obituary
Dorris Ann Gentry Porter passed away Wednesday, March 6, at Methodist University Hospital after a long and courageous battle against breast cancer. Born February 13, 1944 in Memphis, TN, Dorris grew up in Memphis as the only child of Orien Chalmer (O. C.) and Opal Turner Gentry. She attended Snowden School and graduated from Central High School in 1962. Dorris helped run the family’s spice company, Old Hickory, for many years and became a savvy business woman due to her experience there. She later owned the Tastyee Pepper Company and enjoyed success as an entrepreneur. Dorris’ greatest accomplishments, however, were her roles as a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Furthermore, it is doubtful that a better friend could be found, and she will be dearly missed by many people. She was also a committed member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church. Dorris was preceded in death by her parents, O. C. and Opal Gentry, her youngest son, Eric Gentry Porter, and her husband of 48 years, Ronald Waring Porter. She is survived by her son Ronald Waring Porter, Jr (Laurin), her daughter Leigh Ann Porter Barrett (Bob), and three grandchildren: Alex, Mary Grace and Drew Porter, as well as extended family and friends. Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Monday evening, March 18, from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm. The funeral service will take place in the Idlewild Chapel (1750 Union Avenue), Tuesday, March 19 at 11:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be sent to either the Recreation Ministry of Idlewild Presbyterian Church (1750 Union Avenue, Memphis 38104) or to the Mercy Ministry of All Saints Presbyterian Church (1726 Madison Avenue, Memphis 38104). Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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