Jean Maxine (Vaughan) Porter, age 93, passed away on September 9, 2019 in Groveland, Florida. She was born on December 16, 1925 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Berniece A. (Thompson) and John M. Vaughan.

As a child, Jean overcame childhood illness to follow her father in excelling in many sports, eventually playing semi-pro softball for the Grand Rapids Chicks and going on to win their state championship. After graduation from high school, Jean attended Western Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948. She then attended Michigan State University where she received a Master's degree in Elementary Education in 1955. Jean taught and coached in Michigan public schools for 38 years. Nurturing, guiding and mentoring public school students for almost four decades. Her classrooms were full of aquariums with fish, turtles, budding plants, hatching chrysalis and duck eggs. She instilled in her students the importance of dance, art, theater and physical education while taking them outside of the classroom to experience the world. When needed, she was known to protect, clothe and feed them as well. Until five years ago, she was still receiving letters from students she has mentored, who are now in their 60's and 70's.

In 1955, Jean married Robert Warren Porter at Second Congregational Church in Grand Rapids. A partnership that would last 36 years and produce three sons; Mark Steven Vaughan, James Royal Vaughan (Cedar Springs, Michigan) and Robert Vaughan (Groveland, Florida). Her son Mark preceded her in death on May 7, 1972.

After retirement, Jean moved to Clermont, Florida with her mother and best friend, Berniece to be closer to family. She became an ardent volunteer for the South Lake Animal League for 15 years, dedicating countless hours and donations to help build their no-kill shelter. It was at the Animal League that she adopted Molly (a Shih Tzu/human mix) who became her fourth child, giving her joy for many years.

Jean will be missed by a large group of friends and family, whom loved and respected her. She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Robert Vaughan and Denise Pyke Porter and their children; Jessica and Jeremy, son James Royal Porter and his wife Cheryl C. Porter and their children; Jordon, Heather, Randy and Tammy in addition to 11 great-grandchildren.

Jean was a life member of: The Michigan Education Association, The National Education Association, The American Legion Auxiliary, Alpha Beta Epsilon at Western Michigan University and The Michigan State University Alumni Association.

Interment of Jean's ashes (along with Molly's ashes) be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Berrien Springs, Michigan, next to her son Mark Steven Porter. Her headstone will read "SHE CARED" as a final statement. She wanted to convey from the quote "I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life the deepest significance".

Jean's kindness and love have helped shape all of us.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held for friends and family at Robert and Denise Porter's home (6043 Lake Erie Road, Groveland, Florida 34736) on Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.