West Memphis loses longest-lived citizen

Leola Porter, oldest Arkansas resident, passes at age 111

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a remarkable individual and the oldest resident of West Memphis, Mrs. Leola Porter. She peacefully departed this world at the age of 111, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.

Mrs. Porter was a beloved member of our community, cherished for her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering spirit. She witnessed the evolution of our city, experiencing its joys and triumphs, as well as its challenges and transformations. Her longevity served as a living testament to the resilience and strength within all of us. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.” – City of West Memphis Last year, Mayor Marco McClendon visited with Mrs. Porter as she celebrated her 110th birthday and declared Aug. 15, 2022, as “Mrs. Leola Porter Day” in the city.

Mrs. Porter, who was born in 1912, was not only the oldest living resident in West Memphis but also the entire state of Arkansas. With her age she joins a list of long-lived people known as “supercentarians”

See PORTER, page A2

Last year, Mayor Marco McClendon declared August 15th, 2022 as, “Mrs. Leola Porter Day” in honor of her 110th birthday. Porter passed away recently at age 111.

Photo by City of WM PORTER

From page A1

– individuals who have attained or surpassed 110 years of age.

As of January 2015, the Gerontology Research Group had validated the longevity claims of 782 American supercentenarians and as of Aug. 15, 2022, it lists the oldest living American-born person as Spanish emigrant María Brañas Morera (born in San Francisco, California on March 4, 1907), aged 115 years.

The oldest American resident is listed as Bessie Hendricks (born in Carroll County, Iowa on November 7, 1907), aged 114 years. The longest-lived person ever from the United States is Sarah Knauss, of Hollywood, Pennsylvania, who died on December 30, 1999, aged 119 years.

Mrs. Porter survived two world wars, two global pandemics, 20 presidents and the Great Depression.