Hilda Gates Porter

Hilda Mae Gates Porter, born on Christmas Day in 1954 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, passed away on March 13, 2026, in Myrtle, Mississippi. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Hilda lived a life marked by love, dedication, and spirited joy. She was the beloved matriarch of her family and is survived by her husband of many years, Lowell Porter of Enterprise, with whom she shared a lifetime of laughter and cherished moments.

Hilda is remembered by her two daughters, Melissa Williams (Jeff) of New Albany and Deanna Rainey of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, who carry forward the lessons of kindness and resilience she taught them. She also leaves behind her special niece and caregiver, Marie Sansing, and caregiver Izzy Shorter, both of whom were blessed by her bright presence. Her six grandchildren—Walker, Thomas, Payden, Easton, Abbie (Drew), and Allie (Kamryn)—and two great-grandchildren, Kody Klaire and Briggs Randolph, will fondly recall her as the grandmother who could always be counted on for a competitive game of Uno or a lively round of Yahtzee.

A graduate of West Union School in 1972, Hilda lived her life as a dedicated housewife and homemaker. She was a longtime member of the Old Union Church of the Nazarene in Pontotoc. In her younger years, her adventurous spirit was evident as she coached softball, bowled with enthusiasm, and eagerly planned family vacations. Her zest for life touched everyone around her.

She is now reunited with her parents, Earnest Dempsy Gates and Vangie Ozell Gaines Gates, and her five brothers, Hugh, ID, Gaines, HM, and Charles Gates, who preceded her in death. Hilda’s memory will continue to live on through the stories, board games, and abundant love she gave so freely to all who knew her.