MISSION – Vernice Maxine Brown Porter, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at her residence.

The eldest of three children born to George A and Luella V. (Tompkins) Brown, she was born on March 9, 1921 in White, Brookings County, South Dakota. Her parents divorced when she was very young in the depression years and she was "bounced" around to be raised by relatives so her mother could work to support herself with three small children. During this time she came to the Rio Grande Valley to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Bentsen.

In the 1940s she had the opportunity to travel on a grand scale when she worked as a "Nanny" for Paula Kelly (Mrs. Hal Dickenson), of the "Modernaires" fame, when they were the main band of Glenn Miller.

When she moved to Mitchell, she married Lester G. Porter. After they retired, Vernice and Les traveled in their motor home for 25 years and became Winter-Texans permanently in 2000 when they sold their home in Mitchell and built a new home in Mission.

Mrs. Porter is survived by a daughter, Connie (Dan) Davis of Castle Rock, Washington; stepsons, Don (Deni) Porter of Sun River, Oregon, Gregg (Jane) Porter of Tigart, Oregon, and Gary (Sue) of Pendleton, Indiana; and nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Her remains were cremated according to her wishes. A memorial service will be held at the Southern Oasis Clubhouse, S. Stewart Road, Mission, at a later date.