Clella Mae (Williams) Porter

Clella Mae Porter, of East Mollne, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and faithful servant of God, peacefully entered into eternal rest Monday April 6, 2026 at Mercyone Genesis Silvis Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of love, grace, and faith that will live on in all who knew her.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  Pastor P. Wonder Harris will officiate.  Visitation will be two hours prior to services.  Burial will be at Hampton Township Cemetery. Sullivan-Ellis Mortuary are assisting the family. Clella Mae Porter was born on September 22, 1930, in Paris, Tennessee, to Mary Elizabeth Smiley Williams and Rufus “Bob” Williams. From an early age, she was grounded in values of faith, compassion, and perseverance—qualities that would define her life and guide her journey.

She married the love of her life, Marvell Porter, on May 28, 1949, in Corinth, Mississippi. Their union was a beautiful example of enduring love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love and commitment. After marrying, they made their home in East Moline, Illinois, where they lovingly raised their four daughters and became pillars in their community. 

Clella was a woman who gave selflessly to others. She worked as a nurse’s assistant at Americana Nursing Home in Moline, where she cared for patients with tenderness and dignity. Later, she served for many years as a playground assistant with East Moline School District 37, where her nurturing spirit and watchful care touched the lives of countless children.

She found joy in both quiet and meaningful moments—whether through ceramics, knitting, cooking, gardening, walking, and exercising. She especially treasured her walks on the river with her friends, sharing laughter, stories, and fellowship. Above all, she cherished her family, pouring love into every generation and creating memories that will be held close forever. A devoted woman of faith, Clella was a longtime and faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess for over 50 years. Her life was a reflection of her love for the Lord—steady, humble, and full of grace. She was known for her gentle spirit, her kind heart, and her quiet strength, often offering words of encouragement, wisdom, and prayer to those around her. She truly lived a life of service, trusting in God through every season. She was also an active member of the Local 865 UAW Retirement Group, where she built lasting friendships and remained engaged in her community.

Though she is no longer with us in body, we take comfort in knowing that she now rests in the arms of the Lord, reunited with Marvell, the love of her life, who passed on March 1, 2026. Her life was a blessing, her love was a gift, and her memory will forever be a treasure in our hearts.

She is survived by her children Clella Diana “Ann” Allen, Gail Porter McIntyre, Marilyn Jeanette Porter, and Vivian “Benny” Lyord. Her eight grandchildren, Adrian Lyord, Anthony Lyord, Jason Allen, Ivey Colvin, Kemberly Lyord, Blake Allen, Lauren McIntyre, and Kendall Bolen-Porter. Twenty-five great-grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren. A very special sister-in-law Johnnie Ruth Brown, brother-in- law Jimmy Barham (Deena) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Clella was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvell Porter, and her uncles Quitman Kendall and Ernest Kendall.

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