Nina Porter

Nina Faye Porter, 92, of Wichita, Kansas, went home to her heavenly Father on Friday, September 25, 2026. Born on April 2, 1934, in Cord, Arkansas, she was the cherished second daughter of Rupert “Buster” and Mary Melton.

Woven throughout Nina’s life were the qualities that defined her: a determined will, a creative and resourceful nature, and above all, a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, which guided and shaped every season of her life.

Nina grew up on the family farm in Arkansas, where she learned the value of hard work and pride in a job well done. At 18, determined to discover a world beyond the one she knew, she left her small hometown and moved on her own to Detroit, Michigan, to get a taste of city life. She later made her way to Wichita, where she met Marvin Lee Porter. They married in 1955, and welcomed three daughters: Karen, Kathy, and Sharon. Together, they built a life grounded in faith and devoted to their church and family.

Nina took great joy in creating a warm and loving home. She had excellent taste and delighted in a well-written song, a beautiful painting, and the thrill of a great find at a thrift store or garage sale. Her creative eye also found an outlet in cake decorating. After taking classes and trying her hand at it, she became known for her beautiful and delicious cakes. Nina and Marvin hosted warm holiday gatherings for their family each year, and after Marvin retired, they enjoyed traveling together. She remained active in her church for as long as she was able and continued to tithe faithfully until the end of her life.

Nina is survived by her daughters, Karen Thibault (Tom) of Wichita, Kathy Young (Charley) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Sharon Johnson (Keith) of Waddell, Arizona; her grandchildren, Ryan McClintock (Jennifer), Jared Thibault (Taylor), Matthew Thibault (Cecilia), Nathan Thibault, Keri Williams, Ashley Moye (Greg), Jessica Young, Kimberly Young, Jillian Johnson, Olivia Johnson, and Driskell Johnson (Dominique); 19 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and her sister, Nedra Forester.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Marvin; her granddaughter, Amber Young; and her brothers, Gene Melton and Bill Melton.

Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Believers Southern Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation at 9:30 am until the service begins at the church.

Nina leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her. 

Memorials may be made to:
Believer Southern Baptist Church
13909 W. 21st St.
Wichita, KS 67236