SALTILLO – Dianne Lee Porter, 62 passed away Thursday evening, Oct. 1, 2009 at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo after decades of struggle with lupus.

Ms. Porter was born in Vicksburg on Aug. 13, 1947 to Russell and Inez Puckett. After graduating from Cooper High School in Vicksburg, she attended Hinds Junior College in Raymond and Southern Miss in Hattiesburg. Upon her marriage to Bill Porter, she lived in Claiborne County for about 30 years and raised her three sons, Brian, Brad and Ben there.  Ms. Porter had moved to Saltillo some six years ago to be closer to Brian, daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandson Will and future granddaughter Ali and later Ben moved to Guntown.

In spite of her illness, Ms. Porter was the principal caregiver for her mother for about 15 years and after her mother’s recent passing, Dianne’s health began to rapidly decline. Her 30-plus-year battle with lupus, perseverance, keen sense of humor and willingness to serve others stands as a testament to her inspiration for those of us around her.

She has touched many lives among family members, friends, passers-by and many of her caregivers. We will surely miss her and remember her especially when we begin to think that our burdens are too heavy to bear. Peter, the Disciple, tells us in I Peter 5:7 that we should cast our worries on God because He cares for us and in 5:10 that He will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.

Services will be at 4 today at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Krech officiating and Jerry Puckett delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.

Among the survivors are Bill Porter of Houston, Brian, Jennifer, Will and Ali Porter of Tupelo, Ben Porter of Guntown, Russell Puckett of Vicksburg, Jerry and Shirley Puckett of Texas and Donna Puckett of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her son Brad and both of her parents.

Visitation will be from 2 until 4 today at the funeral home.

For online condolences and guest registry, visit www.leememorialonline.com.