Linda Porter

Linda Joy Porter went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.Linda was born in Chattanooga on Oct. 27, 1941. She had a magical childhood spending many days at Lake Winnepesaukah and Idora Park and Chippewa Lake, both in Ohio, where her dad owned and operated amusement rides. Linda even had her own circus ponies. She attended Missionary Ridge Elementary School, Girls Preparatory School and the University of Tennessee where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi.Linda was a homemaker for nearly 49 years devoting her life to her husband, children and grandchildren. She attended Rossville Church of Christ where she was active in the Ladies Ministry and the Harvest House Food Ministry until her health would no longer permit it. The United States was very special to her and she spent many hours helping causes that would protect our freedom and liberty. Linda Joy loved to travel but in the end her favorite places were the beloved Smokies of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. She never met a stranger, loved conversation and was known for her beautiful smile.She was preceded in death by her parents, Hal C. Wilson Sr. and Evelyn Hoskins Wilson; grandparents, Elmer and Gertie Wilson and Floyd and Annie Hoskins, several aunts and uncles.Family members surviving are her husband of almost 49 years, O. Henry Porter; daughters, Elizabeth Ellen Allen, Chattanooga, Julie Anne (Mauricio) Santos, Sumral, Miss.; grandchildren, Porter and Grace Allen and J.T., Will and Lindey Bryant; brother, Hal C. Wilson Jr.; aunts, Joyce Williams and Doris (Bobby) Grice; cousins, nieces and nephews.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of condolence to the family and to view the memorial tribute.Special thanks go to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Chattanooga who made a rough road smoother. To all who touched our lives, your kindness and support will never be forgotten.Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Rossville Church of Christ, 1100 McFarland Ave., Rossville, with Brother Jack James officiating.Interment will be in Wilson Cemetery, Rossville.The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home and from noon until service time Saturday at the church.Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.