Melinda Joan Porter, 69, of Russellville, passed away while on a trip to Antarctica with her travel companion, Karen Corbin. She was born Oct. 25, 1954, and is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ruby Porter of Quality
Melinda has been a social worker her entire adult life. She received her undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and her Masters Degree from the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. In addition to counseling in state and private agencies, she intermittently taught social work at Western Kentucky University. She was working with military families at Fort Campbell most recently.
She loved the Lord, First Baptist Church in Russellville, singing, the Bridge Club, Book Club, traveling, shopping and gabbing with "the girls" of Russellville, the Lewisburg School Class of '72 members, Rhodes-Harlen Dorm Posse, WKU Baptist Student Union Choir Members, WKU basketball and other Baptist Student Union Members from Western.
She traveled and shopped extensively all over the world including Russia, Israel, Argentina, and Italy to name a few.
Gardening and eating tomatoes and watermelon were among her greatest joys. Her flowers were the envy of many. She also enjoyed collecting glassware, particularly Depression Glass. Developing new friends and staying in contact was another pleasure of hers.
Melinda is survived by her brother, Phillip Porter (Denise); her nephew, Tyler Porter; her aunts, Treva Alderson, Shirley Perry, and Elnora Crawford; her uncle, Rufus Coursey; and many cousins and just as many close friends.
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, located at 277 S. Main Street, Russellville on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. with Bro. Joe Ball officiating. Interment will be at Quality Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
First Baptist Church Shoe Box Ministry
277 S. Main Street
Russellville, KY 42276
Envelopes will be available at the church