Mary Alice Porter

Mary Alice Porter, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loving great grandmother passed away peacefully at age 90, in Gulf Breeze, Florida on July 30, 2025. Her daughters were able to spend many precious hours with her before her passing. Mary Alice “Grammy” was born on May 11, 1935, to Daisy and Paul Adams in Eclectic, Alabama. After graduating from Wetumpka High School, she married her sweetheart Sam McGowin. A devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her early years creating a loving home for Sam and her children, Lee Anne, Margaret and Mack. The regular get-togethers with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were always treasured events creating a closeness and memories that will last forever. Mary Alice, along with Sam, became involved with their children’s education, supporting the development of schools, Edgewood Academy and Trinity Presbyterian School. She worked as the bookkeeper at both schools, where she was known for her welcoming personality, steady dependability and firm commitment. Once her children were grown, in college and getting married, she returned to homemaking and caring for her family. After the sudden unexpected death of Sam in 1985, she moved to Birmingham to care for her first grandchild. It helped ease her into a more independent life. In 1986, she moved to Gulf Breeze where her daughter Margaret lived and was expecting her first child. She went to work as a receptionist at Barnett Bank in Pensacola where she worked until her retirement in 1998. Because of her enthusiasm, dedication, outgoing personality and genuine interest in others, she also became the events coordinator at the bank. All these qualities left a lasting impression on her colleagues and friends. During this time, a friend arranged a date with Tom Porter, who was originally from Montgomery but living in Gulf Breeze. Three days later in 1995 they were married, much to the surprise of her children, and their wonderful marriage lasted until Tom’s passing on May 10, 2021. Grammy always welcomed family and friends into her home; she had a guestbook on the table for all to sign and it brings smiles and laughter to read the comments that were made over the years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends. Grammy was also noted for her strong opinions; she kept up with current events, politics and cultural changes. We have copies of many “letters to the editor” that she wrote over the years and her grandchildren enjoyed debating topics with her. Everyone treasures those memories. Her humor, her great love for family and her unwavering faith in God, who carried her throughout her life, are forever in our hearts. Mary Alice is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Lester Adams and Daisy Velma Adams, her brother Harold Adams, her first husband Samuel Bernard McGowin, her son Samuel “Mack” Bernard McGowin, Jr, and her second husband Thomas Renfro Porter Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Lee Anne Riggins (Don) and Margaret Heins, her daughter-in-law Foy Goodwyn McGowin, her ten grandchildren, her sixteen great grandchildren, her sister Dorothy Brown and nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will be held at Pine View Memorial Gardens in Wetumpka, Alabama where Grammy will be laid to rest next to Pappy (the specific date and time will be announced later). Donations in Mary Alice’s memory may be made to the Mack McGowin Endowment Scholarship at Auburn University or a charity of your choice. http://auburngiving.org/PorterMemorial

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Mary Alice Porter

May 11, 1935 - July 30, 2025