Verlinda Marie Porter

Friday evening, February 19, 2016, a new life began for Verlinda Marie Porter.  With a bright smile, sparkling eyes and joyous step she took the hand of her Savior Jesus Christ and eagerly embraced the loved ones waiting for her in paradise.

Verlinda, or Nina as she is called by those closest to her, was born June 30, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her parents, Verne Porter and Linda Lou Lindsey Porter were so thrilled with her arrival.  They were pleased to combine their names; Verne and Linda to create one for her, Verlinda.  Her middle name, Marie was given to her in honor of her aunt Vera Marie Porter and maternal grandmother Hazel Marie Lindsey.  She was born and raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Verlinda was a happy, pleasant baby, child, teenager and adult.  She graduated from Bountiful High School class of 1973 and later completed a Paralegal Degree. 

She brought joy and sunshine simply by entering a room.  Her naturally giving, happy and generous nature was a gift to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Verlinda took such pleasure in giving to others with no regard for herself.  A real people person, kind and loving to all she met. 

She loved living in the city, especially down town Salt Lake City.  Shopping and working at the Gateway Mall, the city life had everything within walking distance.  She loved classical music, Prince, British movies, Highlander, BBC television, her trip with her mother to England and Scotland, warm Cinnabon’s, her cats and her last closest friend Buddy, her ferret. 

She was a wonderful sister to her three younger siblings; Shawn Kelly Porter (Cindy), Trudie Lee Porter Biggers (Brian), Duffin Casey Porter (Lori) and Anderson Blatchford.  She loved her nieces and nephews, Mindi, Lavender, Dustin, MacAryn, Jake and Kelsy.  Verlinda was known as ‘Grandma Nina’ to some of her great nieces and nephews; McKenzi, Marshal, McCoy, Hunter, Echo, Porter, Roscoe, Aidan, Ethan, Logan, Kelan, Kanan, Avery, Kohl and Kayd.  Most importantly, Verlinda’s love and concern for her mother Linda Lou was legendary.  ‘Mum’ as Verlinda always called her, was at the center of her thoughts. Not a day went by without a phone call to Mum; “Hey Mum, it’s me. Just calling to say hi and tell you that I love you!”  Her final thoughts were of Mum and also of Dad who was waiting just out of sight to welcome her home.                                        

Verlinda fought a valiant battle with Parkinson disease but in spite of the tremendous physical challenges she faced in the last ten years, she always had a positive attitude, never complained or felt bad for herself.  She took the opportunity to receive her endowments in the Salt Lake Temple and remained a member in good standing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So with a beautiful sunset at her back and a cool breeze on her cheek, she took the hand of her loving Savior and started forth. But then she paused, and with a soft smile, she turned and looked back over her shoulder and waved goodbye.

We will be celebrating Verlinda’s life on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N Main St, Farmington, UT 84025, (801) 447-8247. The viewing will be from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, with the Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery.