Altamese Porter

Altamese Porter was born on April 3rd, 1923 in Jacksonville, Florida to Amos Porter and Gladys Hall Porter. She was educated in the local school system (Pickett School) on the Northside of Jacksonville, Florida. Altamese was a self-taught seamstress and worked for a company for over 20 years. When she retired at the age of 62, she continued to work, dedicating her life to caring for family and friends.

We find ourselves at a loss for words because there are so many words, we could use to describe her, yet it seems they wouldn’t do her justice. She is truly an unforgettable woman. She’s a force. She’s is love. She’s fearless. I won’t say “was” because this is what she will be forever. Not even death can strip her of how powerful she is, for her power lives in each of us.

Altamese was a woman of great strength and wisdom. Mease, Measie, or Nana, as she was fondly called, epitomized caring to all those unable to care for themselves in their time of need. She displayed tremendous kindness, compassion, and empathy for those who needed it. However, she could display another side if she felt an injustice was done toward those she cared for. She was the definition of a true ride or die for her loved ones. Sweet but prickly when the situation called for it. Altamese was very strong-minded and was one who never held back how she felt. In fact, she verbalized it perfectly so that there was no doubt or misunderstanding of her thoughts & feelings.

Since she has lived such a long and productive life, many family and friends preceded her in death. The list would be too long to mention them all. Altamese leaves to mourn her daughter Sharon; 1 Niece Gladys; 4 Nephews Amos (Gail), Anthony (Darlene), Victor (Tia), and Paul; 10 grandchildren Selina, Anthony (Loretta), Aaron, Michael, Rhonda, Natasha, Victor, Shaune, Corey (Zulieka) & Alisha. All the grandchildren felt they were the favorite, but we all know the favorites were… Corey & Victor. She also leaves to mourn a host of great-grandchildren, Grandnieces and nephews, great-great grands as well as a host of cousins and many friends.

A good woman will always be two things: missed and remembered and Altamese never fell short of being a good woman.