Anita "LaVerne" (Smith) Porterfield

Services for LaVerne (Smith) Porterfield, 81, of Wilson, are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Monday, September 8, 2025, at the East Lincoln Church of Christ in Healdton, with Scott Renfro officiating with Jared Wilson and Casey Powell assisting. Interment will follow at Bomar Pt. cemetery in Wilson. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton.

Anita "LaVerne" (Smith) Porterfield, a beloved educator and cherished member of her community, was born on June 1, 1944, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to the late Ralph Howard Smith and Bernice Loveless Smith. She went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of love in her own home in Wilson.

LaVerne's journey was marked by dedication and passion for education, cultivated from her formative years attending Healdton Public Schools, where she graduated with the class of 1962. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha for a year, followed by her graduation from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Elementary Education. Her commitment to mastering the Spanish language took her to the Universidad Internacional in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, during the summer of 1965, a transformative experience that deepened her understanding of culture and heritage. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, LaVerne attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, serving as an assistant instructor and working toward a master's degree in Spanish. On July 9, 1966, LaVerne married the love of her life, Roger Porterfield. Their union was one rooted in love and support, enhancing their journeys both personal and professional. Following Roger’s job transfer with Shell Pipeline, the couple moved to Houston, Texas, where LaVerne began her teaching career in the Pasadena Independent School District. After three fulfilling years in Houston, they relocated again to East Texas near Nacogdoches, where she continued to shape young minds at Douglass High School for another three years. In 1974, the family returned to Healdton, where LaVerne resumed teaching at Healdton Public Schools. The undeniable mark she left on her students and the community was profound, and she earned her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from East Central in 1978. Throughout her esteemed career spanning 30 years, with 24 dedicated to Healdton, LaVerne inspired countless students, many of whom remained in touch over the years. She took immense joy in their successes, celebrating each milestone as if it were her own. With a heart open to service, LaVerne also committed her time as secretary of the Healdton Alumni Association for 31 years and was a faithful and dedicated member of the East Lincoln Church of Christ. Her steadfast devotion and contributions to both her church and community encapsulated her character—kind, nurturing, and devoted. Beyond her professional achievements, LaVerne enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She found joy in music and singing with friends, expressing her creativity through quilting, and losing herself in the pages of a good book. Her spirit resonated with those around her, creating memories that will forever remain woven in the hearts of her family, friends, and former students.

LaVerne received many scholastic honors, as well as recognition and awards from peers, students, and community throughout her life, but she preferred to be remembered rather as a Christian woman- one who tried to do right and to be an example and source of encouragement for all with whom she came in contact.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Bernice and Howard Smith; husband, Roger Porterfield in 2017.

Survivors include her daughter, Sara Hickman and husband Barry of Wilson; son, Brent Porterfield and wife Jennifer of Lone Grove; grandchildren, Jacob Hickman and fiancé, Hayden Epley, Clayton Porterfield and Abby Porterfield; sister, Phyllis Johnson and husband Carl of Ada; special cousins, Patricia Curtis of Coweta, OK and Debbie Thurman of Wilson; entire church family of East Lincoln Church of Christ; numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brent Porterfield, Clayton Porterfield, Barry Hickman, Jacob Hickman, Corey Johnson, David Johnson, and Kent Porterfield.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 P.M. at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Healdton.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com

Laverne's family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Kahn, Heather, and other staff at the Dialysis Ranch, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Ideal Home Health.  But the greatest thanks go to her caregivers, Cheri Briscoe, Jamie Boehl, Dawn Reed, and Kathie Griffin.  Without them, keeping LaVerne home this past year would not have been possible.