WARREN – With great sadness, Carol Porter’s family announced her death on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Largo, Florida, just weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday. “Our grief can only be soothed by the belief that she has been welcomed to heaven by her beloved husband, Darrell Porter.”
Carol May was born on March 12, 1933, to parents Harold and Florence Bassett, in Elyria. Soon after, the family moved to Ravenna, where Carol graduated from Ravenna High School as valedictorian in 1951.
In 1953, she married the love of her life and classmate since fourth grade, Deryl Porter. Together they shared 64 years until his death in 2017. The young couple spent a short time in Fort Sill, Okla., where Derrell was stationed with the US Army before returning to Ravenna and eventually moving to Warren to raise his family.
Carol stayed home when her children were young and was an accomplished volunteer. She filled the roles of her mother, president of the neighborhood carnival, leader of the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, etc. Later in life, she sewed Christmas decorations professionally, and eventually got a job she loved at Franklin’s Pharmacy, where she handled billing and insurance claims.
Carol was a talented seamstress and volunteered with sewing groups to make quilts for children’s charities. She was known for her knitting and donating the proceeds to various charities.
Carroll has been a faithful member of Todd Avenue United Methodist Church for over 63 years. She served as treasurer of the United Methodist Women’s Fund for many years and was a member of the Willing Workers Fish Fry group. Carroll and Deryl both attended Annona United Methodist Church while enjoying the winter months in Largo, Florida.
Carol is survived by her four children, Anita Shaw, Steve (Kathy) Porter, Russell (Phyllis) Porter and Amy (Ray) Rabowski; The Grandchildren, Matthew (Noel) Shaw, Becky Shaw, Dr. Jeremy (Nicolette) Shaw, Dan (Lindsay) Porter, Jennifer (Dr. Patrick) Arnett, Lauren Porter, Lindsey Porter, Katie (Dr. Eric) Willis, Dr. Patrick Rabowski (Whitney’s fiancee) Lunemann) and Frank Rabowski. She also has 12 great-grandchildren.
Carol is survived by sisters Elaine Long and Linda (Edwin) Clark. sister-in-law, Margie Porter; Cousins; And several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Florence Bassett. husband, Deryl Porter; brothers in law, Ken Porter and Paul Long; and wife-in-law, Marilyn Porter Lawson.
The family is asking that you join them to share the love, laughter, and memories during a celebration of life in honor of Carol on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Cortland United Methodist Church, 155 N. High St., Cortland. Visiting hours are from ten to noon, and Mass begins at noon on Saturday in the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a place Carol happily supports, or to the charity of your choice.
Special thanks to the residents of Water’s Edge in Largo, Florida, for their friendship over the years and for keeping Carol company in her final months. We would also like to thank the team at Accent Care Hospice of Clearwater, Florida, for their assistance and support.
(special notice)