Obituary

Lillian Louise Brookshire Porter

April 10, 1929 - February 17, 2025

On April 10, 1929, in Suqualak, Mississippi the life and legacy of Lillian Louise Brookshire Porter began. Born the second, yet first daughter of four children to James and Augusta Brookshire. She was given the affectionate nickname of “Sis”. 

As a young girl she moved to Bogalusa, Louisiana with her mother and 3 siblings. After moving to Bogalusa her mother united in matrimony with Rev. L.A. Smith and he was a loving stepfather until his death.

Lillian joined Mt.Moriah Baptist church and accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of the late Rev. B.B.Moses. She was an active member including Secretary of the church. 

Lillian was educated in Bogalusa and attended Central Memorial HIgh school . While at Central Memorial High School she was an excellent student and outstanding basketball player. After graduating from high school  in 1948, she attended Grambling College of Louisiana where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1952.  She wore the title of “Gramblinite” very well. She went on to become a certified teacher in the State of Louisiana in 1956. After returning home to Bogalusa

In the fall of 1966 she helped integrate the Bogalusa City School System during the height of Civil Rights in Bogalusa.

Ms. Brookshire, as she was called by her students, was a kind, compassionate, loving teacher who definitely had that special touch that she dedicated to her students. Former students recall their memories of her love for them as students. Many of them  continued to respect her and kept in touch until her death.

As Lillian was enjoying a successful  career as a public school teacher, it was during this time Lillian met Johnny Wilson Porter in 1961 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where  Johnny was visiting his uncle Pastor EM Porter. Johnny saw Lillian standing on that porch and it was love at first sight. They were introduced and the rest is history.  The two were wed in Bogalusa by her stepfather Rev. L.A. Smith and together they had 5 beautiful children. This began her life as a minister's wife and she was fully committed to this role.  She began as an amazing teacher then mother  and went on to become a dedicated spiritual leader in the church and community. After Rev. Porter became a Pastor, Lillian was very active, she sang in the choir and was a part of various ministries.  During her years at Harts Chapel Baptist Church she was fondly known as “Sis. Porter” She served as Pastor’s wife for 19 years until the passing of her beloved husband in 1989.  Lillian always was a snazzy dresser but it was during this time she developed her signature look of spectacular hats and elegant suits, and as First Lady, she definitely wore them well.

In memory of her husband, she initiated the “I Love You, Jesus “ rally a fundraiser toward the building, and development of the church facility and the church community. This rally continues to be a highlighted yearly event at Harts Chapel. 

She was a dedicated Bible Teacher and Sunday school teacher for the Women’s class, guiding many through her wisdom and faith. Her leadership extended to becoming the Director of Vacation Bible School and Educational Fund where she made significant contributions to educational endeavors. She was also Chairman of the Deaconess Board and played a pivotal role in supporting initiatives within the church.  

Additionally, she worked faithfully in the Spring Hill District Association Mission organization and held various roles including Vice President, Secretary and Advisor. She was actively involved in the Queen drive initiative and the Building fund, leaving a lasting impact on the District.

Lillian Porter faithfully committed herself to both Pearl River County as well as Bogalusa, Louisiana community. After retiring from the Bogalusa School System, where she served for 33 years between Superior Avenue Elementary and Terrace Elementary, she returned to teaching in St.Tammany parish for another 2 years or so. Afterwards, she became a dedicated member of Bogalusa Teacher Retirement and also a member of the National Teacher’s Association.  She was Chaplain and co-chaired the food bank donation with her good friend Mrs. Elnora Dubbs, who preceded her in death. Lillian was also an amazing cook, we all can attest to her delicious Ooey Gooey cake, German chocolate cake, broccoli cheese casserole and can’t leave out her famous Gumbo!!

After 95 glorious years of being an honorable servant, Lillian departed this life, peacefully on February 17, 2024 in the home of her loving daughter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She leaves to cherish 5 children John Emerson Porter, Joan Augusta Porter- Parker, Jennifer Renee Bradley, Jenious Lee Porter (Taneka) and Juanne Louise Porter.  Eight grandchildren and  seven great-grandchildren. One brother Phillip Collins. A host of loving and dedicated nieces and nephews who loved her beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Johnny Wilson Porter, her parents James Brookshire and Augusta Hibler Smith and three siblings Clifton Brookshire, George Brookshire and Bessie Mae Cyrus, Cleo Brookshire Mountain and a very special niece Ava Susan Reed.

A Family Gathering will be on February 28, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Visitation will be at Harts Chapel Baptist Church in Poplarville, MS from 10:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.