Jennifer Lynn Porter

Jennifer Lynn passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 at the age of 33. Born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 1, 1987, she is the third child of Jonathan Lewis Porter and Regina Lynn Gilland Porter, their only daughter and the youngest of their children.

She was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community (Pima tribe) of southern Arizona, descendants of Jon’s father, Lawrence Porter (Pima and T’hono O’odham). She is also descended from the Nez Perce tribe of Idaho through Jon’s mother, Eloise Moffett Mahle.

Jennifer’s 6th-great grandfather was “Twisted Hair”, chief of the Nez Perce who met with the Lewis & Clark Expedition in October of 1805 and cared for the Expedition’s horses during their journey to the Pacific Ocean returning to the Nez Perce in the spring of 1806. In March of 2003, descendants of “Speaking Eagle”, Jennifer’s Nez Perce ancestor, gathered in St. Louis, MO to dedicate a memorial for two Nez Perce who journeyed there, with three other Nez Perce, in 1832, searching for knowledge about advances made by “white people” including teachers of Christianity. “Speaking Eagle” and one other who made the journey, died in St. Louis.

Jennifer grew up at the family home in Cropper, Kentucky and attended Wright Elementary School, East Middle School and Shelby County High School. At Shelby County, Jennifer was a cheerleader, played varsity softball and was taking nursing courses. She was in the Class of 2005.

In June of 2004, Jennifer was injured in an automobile accident leaving her with severe brain injuries. She has resided at Crestview Care and Rehabilitation Center in Shelbyville, Kentucky where she died. Jennifer’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all nurses and staff, past and present, who gave their love and care with compassion to her. “We couldn’t have managed this journey without all of you.” In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Brain Injury Association of America; P.O. Box 7416; Merrifield, VA 22116-7416.

Her family wish to acknowledge the love and compassion that members of Shelby County High School – Class of 2005 showed, past and present, to Jennifer and her family over the years.

Survivors include: Her mother – Regina “Jeannie” Porter and brother – Gregory Porter (Holly), aunt, Heather. Nephews: Jonathan Porter (Paige), their son Westyn Blaze Porter. Nieces: Layla, Harper, Jade, Tatum, Ashley and Kylie;; and many uncles, aunts and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Jonathan, brother, Matthew, and nephew Dillon.

A funeral service will be held at Sholar Funeral Home in Pleasureville, Kentucky, Tuesday, December 29th at 2 PM with the Rev. Jim Cavender officiating. Internment will be at Dutch Tract Cemetery in Pleasureville following the service.