Hazel Porter of Naples, TX has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
Hazel held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is a quiet companion through a long life. Hazel's walked beside her.
Funeral services for Ms. Hazel Porter, 90, of Naples, Texas, will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Wallick Chapel Christian Church, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of viewing from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
A Life Well Lived
Hazel Lorrine Porter was born March 1, 1936, to Bessie Mae King of Naples, Texas, and O. B. Thomas of Douglasville, Texas.
Hazel Porter accepted Christ at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church. She was also a faithful member of Browns Temple CME Church for many years. She later attended Wallick Chapel Christian Church under the leadership of Reverend Wayne Robinson, where she was also a devoted and faithful member.
Hazel Porter was a hardworking and blessed woman of God whose life reflected determination and faith. A self-made entrepreneur with only a ninth-grade education, she achieved remarkable success, purchasing and owning four homes free and clear. She built a fellowship hall beside her home and faithfully planted a garden the size of a football field each year. Her produce was highly sought after and purchased not only by local residents, but also by people from other cities and states.
She loved, loved, loved to praise the Lord. Hazel Porter was a lively and energetic worshipper and praiser. She made a joyful noise unto the Lord all over this land. For more than forty years, she sang with many quartet groups: Pilgrim Rest, The Christian Travelers, The Newcomers, The Porter Singers, Cass County Mass Choir, and her home church choirs.
Hazel Porter departed this life on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. She was preceded in death by both parents, five sisters, one brother, three children: Oneff Tarver Jr. (Estelitha Tarver, surviving), Hurley Tarver Sr. (Carolyn Tarver, surviving), and Freddie Tarver; and one grandson, Oneff Tarver III.
Legacy Through Posterity
She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories:
Children: Charlie Tarver Sr. and wife Gwendolyn Tarver, Billy Tarver Sr. and wife Doris Tarver, Arnetta Betts and husband Larry Betts, Tammy Calderon, Adrian Porter and wife Tonya Porter, Geromy Porter Sr.
Bonus Sons: Kerry King, Dustin Leblanc.
Grandchildren: Michelle Daniels, Michael Daniels, Adrian Stewart, Kela Stamford, Charlie Tarver Jr., Tania Tarver, Chanae Tarver, Hurley Tarver Jr., Catina Tarver, Hurley Elogada, Dr. Estrelita Bruce, Hurcules Tarver Sr., Corrie Tarver, Billy Tarver Jr., Ivan Tarver, Dwayne Tarver Sr., Larry Betts, Jr., Naquitia Betts, Jalen Porter, Dadrian Porter, Jaiden Porter, Brandon Sweeny, Taylor Covington, Raeven Porter, Geromy Porter Jr., Isaiah Porter.
Great-Grandchildren: Campbell Dixon, Daniel Gonzalez, Kelia Stamford, Kelin Stamford, Traydell Tarver, Dante Bradley, Grayson Tarver, DeMontreal Talton, Aaron Tarver, Hurcules Tarver Jr., Hurley Tarver, III, Jesse Tarver, Kori Bruce, Tamia Elogada, Lazarus Tarver, Caleb Tarver, Nylah Tarver, Dwayne Tarver Jr., Kerry Williams II, Sir Kerry Williams, Se'myriah Watson, Na'kyriah Watson, Nia Betts, Jada Betts, Larry M. Betts, Kingston Covington, Grayson Porter, Drayden Porter, Kaliya Porter.
Great-Great-Grandchildren: Katrell Moore, Aerith Elogado-Snipes, Kaze Talton, Valley Grace Talton.
