Dorothy Lorraine Porter Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Memorial services for Dorothy Lorraine (Sweem) Porter, 88, of Knoxville, who died on December 20, 2014, will be held on Saturday December 27, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville at 11:00am. Reverend Lane Riggle will officiate at the service and music will be provided by Geoff Shultz and Josh Greubel. Visitation will begin after 12:00 p.m. Friday at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Internment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Dorothy was born on December 21, 1925 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA to Fannie Robuck Sweem and Frank Sweem. Dorothy graduated from public school in Knoxville in the class of 1943. She attended Simpson College for two years prior to beginning her teaching career. For several years, while teaching, Dorothy took classes at Drake University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Dorothy was a dedicated student and a compassionate teacher to many students for nearly 40 years. Her career as a teacher was a calling, not a job. She had great respect and affection for each student and dearly loved the teaching process. On July 11, 1948, Dorothy and Ralph H. Porter were married in Knoxville at the First United Methodist Church. To this union one child, Stephen David was born. The couple lived their entire life in Knoxville. Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church from infancy. Through the years she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Bible School, was a member of the Methodist Women and a member and past president of the Sarah Circle of the church. Dorothy was also a member and past president of the Chapter M, PEO. She also founded and was a past president of Friends of the Library. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Ralph, son Stephen and friend Yvonne Romans; granddaughter Amanda Greubel, her husband Josh, and their children Benen and Nya; granddaughter Melodie Smith and her husband Chris; plus many other family members and friends. Memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church Radio Ministry or to The Knoxville Public Library.

Dorothy Lorraine Porter

December 21, 1925 - December 20, 2014