On March 21, 1945, at the Providence Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma, a daughter was born to A. G. and Willia Mae Harris. She was the first born of four children. They named their beloved gift, Barbara Ann.

Barbara was educated in the Muskogee Public School system and graduated from Manual Training High School with the Class of 1963.

After a year of study at Bacone Junior College in Muskogee, Barbara chose to marry Lonnie E. Porter and start a family. There were three children born during this union.

During the early 1960's, she began working in an administrative capacity at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where she faithfully performed her duties until her retirement in 2004.

Barbara Ann confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized while a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Muskogee at the age of 8.

In 1970, Barbara united with the Gallilee Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, under the pastorage of Reverend Wilson Pike. During her membership at Gallilee, she served as President of the Mission, Director of Arts and crafts for the Vacation Bible School, and a counselor in the church's youth program. She was particularly fond of assisting with youth-oriented events that the church regularly sponsored.

For many years, Barbara served as a Manager for the gospel singing group, the Gospel Messengers and would often serve as Mistress of Ceremony during anniversary programs for other local gospel groups.

In her 65th year, Barbara Ann Porter "closed her eyes on earth, but woke up in Glory" on Thursday evening, December 9, 2010 from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Lonnie Eugene Jr., and a daughter, Lonnetta Eugenia.

Family members who remain to cherish memories of her life; a son, Anthony [Lesly] Porter; four grandchildren, Anthony [Lainey] Porter, Jr., Lynetta, Alexandria, and Eric; two great-grandchildren, Sade and Raya; two brothers, Albert Harris and Jimmie [Janis] Harris; a sister, Janie Harris; a God-sister, Antonia Walker; a dedicated friend of forty years, Dottie Antwine; a God-daughter, Harriet Allen Williams; a God-grandson, Sherick Williams; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

The Hour of Tribute will commence on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gallilee Baptist Church, with the Pastor, Reverend Henry Brent, Presiding. Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Mrs. Porter, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Tulsa on Friday from 10 AM until 7 PM.