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A celebration of Marian’s life will take place at West Kalamazoo Christian Church, 454 S. Drake Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the service at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, c/o of Sue Davis.
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Marian Alice (Bradford) Porter passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 27, 2021. She was 88 years old.
Marian was born to Calvin and Mildred (Curry) Bradford in Schoolcraft, MI on December 6, 1932, along with her twin sister, Margaret (Bradford) Folkers. She loved to talk about her childhood, growing up on the farm, helping her dad in the fields, raising chickens for 4-H, and her favorite dog, Rex. Marian shared loving stories of her siblings: her brother, Robert “Bob” Bradford, and her sisters, Betty (Bradford) Rhoda, Dorothy (Bradford) Rowe and twin, Margaret; as well as special memories of her mom, all of whom preceded her in death.
After graduating from Schoolcraft High School, Marian moved to downtown Kalamazoo and worked as a medical technician at South Street Lab. Not far from the lab was H.J. Cooper’s where her brother-in-law worked. While visiting with him one day, she met the man who would become her husband. On Marian’s 20th birthday, she married the love of her life, Earl Porter. They were married for over 60 years and were blessed with six wonderful children: James Porter of Lake City, MI, Brenda Britton of Paw Paw, MI, Steven Porter of Kalamazoo, MI, Susan (Chris) Davis of Portage, MI, Shari (Tim) Sweeney of Mason, MI and Bradley (Valerie) Porter of Traverse City, MI.
Marian and Earl lived in Kalamazoo until 1976 when they moved to Grand Rapids, MI and then in 1978, moved to Traverse City, MI. Marian was a hard worker. Among the places she worked, her favorite was working as a greeter for Meijer because she loved people.
After retirement, Marian and Earl returned to their home in Kalamazoo. They served faithfully and lovingly as members of West Kalamazoo Christian Church The church gave her a strong sense of community and fellowship.
Marian was a feisty, sharp minded woman who was always quick to give her opinion, especially when it came to politics. She loved her family deeply, which included her 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Marian was an avid reader and loved flowers.
Marian is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Porter; a daughter-in-law, Carol Porter; a son-in-law, Eugene Britton, and two grandsons, James Porter II and Jacob Porter.
