Marie Buerkle Porter of Little Rock, widow of the late Alfred Winston ''Johnnie'' Porter died Sunday, September 10, 2006. Mrs. Porter was a member of a prominent pioneer family of Stuttgart. She was the granddaughter of the Rev. Adam Buerkle, founder and owner of the land that is today the city of Stuttgart; and the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Buerkle. Mrs. Porter was born in Stuttgart in 1907. She finished high school in Stuttgart and continued her education at the University of Arkansas where she attained two degrees. While at the University she was one of the founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority in 1925. During the school integration crises in Little Rock she was called to teach and did so for many years, retiring from Hall High School where she was chairman of the History Department.

Mrs. Porter was active in civic and church affairs for many years; and a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Mrs. Porter was an ardent world traveler, having visited every continent except Antarctica.

Mrs. Porter was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Winston Porter, Sr. and her son Major General Alfred Winston Porter, Jr. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Patsy Lord Porter; two grandchildren, Alfred Winston Porter III and Tellis Porter Shoemaker and husband John Richard Shoemaker, Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Alfred Winston Porter IV, Sydney Brinson Porter all of Birmingham, Alabama; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held in Stuttgart with burial in the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity in care of Mrs. Susan Douglas, #1 Betsy Lane, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

Arrangement by Roller Chenal Funeral Home (224-8300).