Janet Rhodes Porter

Janet Rhodes Porter, age 90, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at her home in Newport, TN. She was born on February 21, 1936 in St. Louis Missouri. She graduated from Cocke County High School and attended the University of Tennessee where she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. After marriage to Kenneth Porter in 1955 and her children were in school, she obtained her degree from Carson Newman College. She taught English at Cocke County High School for 5 years and then became a Guidance Counselor for the next 23 years before retirement. Janet was a devoted mother and grandmother where her home was a place for many happy gatherings filled with good food, family and friends. Janet enjoyed her kitty cats over the years, travel, UT Football games, golf, tennis, gardening, bridge, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed attending meetings for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Edward Rhodes and Evelyn Lillard Rhodes; her husband Kenneth Porter; and her brother, Edward Rhodes Jr. She is survived by her daughter Janie C. Porter and Donna Henry of Nashville, TN; her son James Kenneth Porter, Jr. (Jim) of Newport, TN; her grandchildren James Kenneth Porter III (Trey) and Melanie Castillo of San Antonio, TX; Katie Langan Fischer, her husband Michael, and great grandchildren Harrison Calhoun Fischer and Rhodes Lawrence Fischer of Knoxvitte, TN; Kathy L. Porter, mother of the grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Specials thanks to Newport Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, especially Tracie Layman-England and others, Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, Nephew Eddie Rhodes and wife Paige Rhodes, and special friends Robin and Willie Green. Private family graveside services will be in Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the church or charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the guest register at Manes Funeral Home or online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Janet Rhodes Porter

February 21, 1936 - March 20, 2026