Morsie Lee Porter Jr.

Morsie Lee Porter, Jr, lovingly called “June,” was born to the late Morsie Lee Porter, Sr. and the late Ludora Porter on November 16, 1948 in New Orleans, LA. He transitioned to his heavenly home in the evening of April 30, 2023, four years and one day after the death of his loving wife of 21 years, Betty Tucker Porter. He was 74. Morsie attended Johnson C. Lockett Elementary School then George Washington Carver Junior High School. He graduated from George Washington Carver High School where he played the saxophone in the marching band. His love of music, especially jazz and classic R&B, lasted throughout his lifetime. In recent years, he became an active member of the Carver High School Class of 1966 Alumni group, frequently organizing social activities for the group. Morsie, a veteran of the Vietnam War, was a Staff Sargent in the United States Marine Corps. He was an instructor and supervised over two hundred and fifty other instructors and students as well as designed program content for shop courses. As a Marine, he received a National Defense Service Medal for active duty during the Vietnam War and commendations for his marksmanship as a sharpshooter. He served our country for 10 years before returning home. After his military career, Morsie worked with Exxon Mobile as a senior production operator on an offshore oil rig. He was responsible for testing and maintaining production meters, testing safety devices and operating pneumatic devices. While working with Exxon, he returned to school and earned his Associates Degree in Petroleum Sciences from Nicholls State University. Morsie was a lifelong member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church having been baptized there as a child by the late Rev. Thomas Franklin Reed. His love of the church showed in his passion for helping others be it showing someone how to repair a car, hook a fishing line, or cooking meals for family, friends, neighbors or fellow retired veterans. He did all of these things from his heart. June is preceded in death by his parents, Morsie L. Porter, Sr. and Ludora Porter; wife, Betty Porter; and brother, Frank Coleman, Sr. Morsie is survived by his first wife, Edwina T. Porter, and their children Marcía (Torrio) Porter Osborne, Corey Porter and Christopher Porter; grandchildren Tarie Porter, Joshua Osborne and Solomon Osborne. He also leaves to cherish his memory sisters Eulalia D. Porter and Wylene (Glenn) Boudouin, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend Morsie’s homegoing celebration on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 2153 N Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation is from 9-11am and the service begins at 11a. Private interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a making a donation in honor of SSgt. Morsie L. Porter, Jr. to the American Legion 82nd Post, P.O. Box 8380, New Orleans, La. 70182. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.