Mrs. Jacklyn Porta Remembered as Educator and Wife of “Coon” Porta

 Jacklyn Bates Porta passed away at home, peacefully, on Saturday, Feb., 24, 2024 at the age of 90. She was born in Bogalusa to Ephraim and Aline Bates. She was a graduate of Bogalusa High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. She received a Masters of Education from LSU. 

She was a long time educator beginning her career as an elementary school teacher for four years, then as a junior high teacher for six years, a guidance counselor for four years, and then finishing her career in education as an elementary school principal for 23 years. 

After retirement, she became a Sunday school teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ray “Coon” Porta. 

She is survived by her two sons Dr. Mark Porta, Sr., his wife Sonya, their three children, Dr. Mark Porta, Jr., wife Lisa, daughter Maggie, Dr. Wes Porta, wife Leigh, son Parker and two daughters Hollis and Landry, Christy Porta Farley, husband Matthew, and daughter Charlotte; and Dr. Scott Porta, his wife Daryl, and their two children Ryan Porta and Megan Porta. Jackie was a long-time and devoted member of Jefferson Baptist Church and loved her church family.

We were so thankful for her doctors, her caregivers at Pinnacle Hospice Care, especially Nurse Norah and above all, her friend and primary caregiver, Mary Singleton, who was a blessing to the Porta family! 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the “Ray and Jackie Porta Endowed Scholarship in Athletics” at SLU, Attn: Development Foundation, Box 10703, Hammond, LA 70402.