Jeanette (Bailey) Porter Bethune

Marvis Jeannette Bailey Porter Bethune, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on November 23, 2022, in her hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas. 

She was born to Charlie Mack “Dutch” Bailey Sr. and Marvis Jeanette Bailey on May 7, 1926.  Her time growing up was spent hunting, fishing, and riding horses across Nacogdoches County. When she wasn’t spending time in nature, she was cruising around town in her 1931 Chevrolet Coupe with rumble seat.

Jeannette’s life was dedicated to educating and serving her community.  She started her teaching career as an elementary school teacher at Fredonia Elementary School.  During her tenure as a teacher she taught multiple subjects, but her favorite was teaching art to students at T.J. Rusk Middle School. After retiring from teaching in 1989 she continued to serve her community teaching computer and art classes at the Nacogdoches Senior Center and Library.  She was also an active board member of the Senior Center for several years.

Jeannette was an avid painter, historian, and genealogist.  She traveled the country researching various family ancestry lineage lines and completed multiple ancestral family trees. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Colonies Fredonia Chapter, Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, Tejas Chapter Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, and the Canadian-French society, La Societe des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan.

Jeannette was also one of three founding members of the Nacogdoches Teachers Credit Union in 1953. These were just some of the many ways she supported her community during her almost 100 years as a native of Nacogdoches. She was a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her first husband, Alton T. Porter; second husband, H.L Bethune; brother, Charlie Mack Bailey, Jr.; son, Charlie Mack Bailey Porter, Sr.; and daughter Judith Porter Dempsey Clingan.  She is survived by her grandson, Charles Daniel Dempsey of Nacogdoches; granddaughter, Dutchie Dee Porter Reid and husband Todd; and great-grandson Zachary Conrad all of Raleigh, North Carolina; and grandson Charlie Mack Bailey Porter, Jr. of Nacogdoches, TX.

The family will receive friends and family on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Laird Funeral Home from 5 to 7 PM for visiting hours.  A small graveside service will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. The family would like to thank Hospice of East Texas for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nacogdoches Senior Center at 1601 W. Austin Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75964. To express condolences, visit the Laird’s Funeral Home website www.lairdfh.net/tributes

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