Helen M. Porter

Helen M. Porter, of Palm City, Florida, formerly of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Stuart, Florida, with her loving daughter at her bedside.

Born April 21, 1939, in Cumberland County, she was the daughter of the late Bernard R. Lytle and Mary A. Gruver Lytle.

Helen was a 1957 graduate of Shippensburg High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Shippensburg University. While there, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honor society for women educators, Kappa Gamma sorority, and played varsity field hockey and basketball. After graduation, she taught elementary school at Central School, Central Annex, and James Burd Elementary School.

Helen was a longtime member of Prince Street United Brethren Church in Shippensburg, where she served as a Bible School director, Bell Choir member, and Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years. She was also a member of Gideon’s International and, with her husband, Gary, organized Southern Gospel programs at local nursing homes.

While living in Florida, Helen mentored with the Boys & Girls Club of Stuart and volunteered for 19 years as a reading tutor for ESL students at Palm City Elementary School. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Stuart, serving as a greeter, Teller Committee member, banquet decorator, Vacation Bible School helper, and nursery volunteer.

Above all, Helen cherished her role as “Grammy” to her grandchildren and took great joy in reading, crafting, and decorating gingerbread houses with them. She especially loved making mashed potatoes for Liam and lemon cake for Loralei.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie L. Porter; two grandchildren, Loralei A. Wallis and Liam R. Wallis IV; her brother, James R. Lytle of Chambersburg; as well as extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bernard R. “Slim” Lytle; her husband, Gary L. Porter; and her daughter, Leanne M. Porter-Wallis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Prince Street United Brethren Church, with Pastor John W. Shadle officiating. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial at Spring Hill Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prince Street United Brethren Church, 17 N. Penn Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.