Jane Porter Roark

Jane Porter Roark slipped away suddenly, but knowingly and without regret, surrounded by love on June 20, 2019. She was 87. Mother was born on a brisk March morning. As an only child, her father piqued her intellect and drive, her mother taught her the art of stamina and candidness and her Victorian grandmother sought to instill social correctness in the fiery child. Her family moved often so she quickly learned how to make new friends, having a pet was a must and that being a good student was required. She married her doctor, the late Dr. William I. Porter and was blessed with four perfect children (as a neurosurgeon, Daddy was only interested in the head and spinal cord of his newborns). Her precious husband died suddenly and she was left to raise four children under nine in the 1970's and 80's! Mother found ways to provide us with every opportunity and experience possible. Her innate stubbornness served her well. If she was told no, she would find a way. She insisted we eat liver and spinach once a week [we fed it to the family dog]. Her prediction in the early 1970's was that one day nutrition would be available in pill form and we would not have to eat liver and spinach. Mother mastered many interests such as contract bridge, tennis/racquetball, ballroom dancing…as well as professional degrees, certifications and honors. She was passionate about the theater, opera, and learning. But that was not who she was and she minimized her curriculum vitae unless it was needed. But she was far from banal. She was a giver. If someone commented on something she was wearing, she would give it to them. She was also generous with her time. Mother was passionate about people and cultures. She immersed herself in Eastern philosophy and practice, was given an "Indian" name in ceremony, wanted to fly so went skydiving and was an eclectic voracious reader. She connected to people and at times helped those she may have just met, achieve their dream. She had a deep interest in humanity. She became a narrator whenever she met someone new. It did not matter what the person did, she wanted to know what was unique. Mother had the innate ability to capture the essence of people. She had the gift of connectedness and could relate to all ages. When she asked you how you were, she actually wanted to know and would listen. Everyone is important and everyone has a story that needs to be told. She "interviewed" these new found friends around the world and impacted their lives in ways they later discovered. Mother's focus was her family. After being a dichotomous single woman for fourteen years, she married H. Price Roark. She was an unbelievable mother and grandmother. She knew everyone's schedule, current interests, dreams, disappointments, girlfriends, boyfriends and what made them happy. She was quite the texter and loved icons. She enjoyed letters, but she said she could sense how someone was doing if she heard their voice. Mother kept up and visited with her nursing school friends, her closest friends around the country and in town. She was current on their lives. When her husband died, she continued her passions including going to the gym every day, supporting individuals applying for US Citizenship, enjoying friends and spending time with her family. Soon, she found love, joy and companionship in Mac Lyons, a long-time family friend. Mother and Mac shared years of happiness, worship, travel and friendship. His family embraced her and her family was thankful for he dearly loved Mother and allowed her to truly be who she was. He listened to her. Mother knew sadness, hunger, financial despair and pain but one would never know, as she was an optimist and knew everything would be alright. She believed in the Universe and a higher order. Her strength came from her knowing that there was something greater. There are lessons that must be learned in life, she would say and it is up to us to discover our divine purpose in life. She was never afraid. She was our hero. Her presence will live on in her children: the late Dr. Susan Porter-Levy, Dr. Cynthia Porter Rickert, Michael Porter and Catherine Porter Rayburn. Her spirit will guide her beloved grandchildren: Channing Porter, Dr. Jeffrey Rickert, Mallory Abernathy, Captain Ryan Rickert, USAF, Rachel Levy, Mason Rickert, Lucas Rayburn and 1st Lt Ethan Porter, USAF. She was our mother, grandmother, friend, partner, confider [sometimes she did not like secrets], cheerleader, healer, chaplain, therapist, entertainer and resource. She believed in us at times we did not believe in ourselves. She always said life is for the living. We will miss her anyway. A Celebration of a Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 beginning at 1 p.m. followed by reception. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Schick and Rabbi Eugene Levy. Although she loved daisies, she would want you to consider Community of Hope (St. James Methodist Church) and Heifer International. Appreciation and love to Sister Catherine who cared and loved Mother, as our lives took us away from Little Rock. We will always remember how much attention Mother received because of Catherine. We love you so much and thank you for giving yourself. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Jane's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.