"I have lived a good life."

Willa Louise Haughaboo Porter lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to family, and dedicated to serving her community. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, following a brief illness.

Born on September 28, 1937, Willa, age 88, was the daughter of the late Newton Henry Haughaboo and the late Augusta Nelson "Gussie" Hubbard Haughaboo. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Fernleaf, Mason County, Kentucky, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for family, hard work, hospitality, flowers and the simple joys of life.

After graduating from Minerva High School in Minerva, Kentucky, Willa attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she studied Home Economics. There she refined the talents that would become hallmarks of her life, cooking, cake making and decorating, gardening, sewing, teaching, caring for others, and creating a welcoming home.

Throughout her career, Willa shared those gifts in countless ways. She worked with Kentucky Utilities, traveling throughout the Commonwealth demonstrating modern home appliances to homemakers. She then taught Home Economics at Fleming County High School, where she inspired generations of students with practical life skills and genuine encouragement on how to cook, sew and navigate life. She and her husband, Harold, also owned and operated Meadowland Village, Valley View Farm in Fernleaf, and Hi Point Farm in Sunset, Kentucky.

While these careers were meaningful, Willa would tell you her greatest callings were being a daughter, wife, mother, Nana, and friend.

Her home was a place where everyone was welcome. Whether in her kitchen, classroom, church, or community, Willa found joy in serving others. She prepared countless meals, catered school banquets, community events, weddings, and created beautiful birthday and wedding cakes that became cherished parts of family celebrations. Her famous grape jelly and warm yeast rolls became family traditions eagerly anticipated on every visit.

Willa possessed a servant's heart and a teacher's spirit. She patiently shared lessons that extended well beyond cooking, teaching kindness, perseverance, generosity, gratitude, and the importance of always following the “recipe of life”. She believed life's greatest blessings were meant to be shared.

Nothing brought Willa greater happiness than her family and friends. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her six granddaughters and one grandson, faithfully attending their sporting events, theater musicals, school programs, graduations, wedding and milestones. Her greatest joy came from gathering everyone together around the table, especially during family vacations and holidays. One of her most treasured memories was celebrating beach trips and holidays together with her children and grandchildren.

Willa is survived by her children, Harold Emmons "Dusty" Porter II and his wife, Kelly Cross Porter; Patrick Newton Porter and his wife, Nicole Evans Porter; and Andrea Colleen "Dee" Porter Schumacher and her husband, Mark Anthony Schumacher.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Lucy Maureen Porter; Hadley Elizabeth Comer and her husband, Jack; Sadie Margaret Porter; Emme Katherine Schumacher; Olivia Marie Porter; Paxton Henry Nelson Porter; and Addison Louise Schumacher.

She is also survived by her special cousins, Cindy Ney Mattis, Marshall James “Jim” Ney II, Tommy Haughaboo, and her sister-in-law, Louise Porter Christman, and her husband, Donnie, along with many extended family members, treasured friends, former students, neighbors, and members of the community whose lives she touched.

Willa was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Harold Emmons Porter, who passed away in 2021. Though their time apart felt far too long to those who loved them, they are now reunited.

A celebration of Willa’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Fritz officiating.

Following the service, Willa will be laid to rest at Fleming County Cemetery beside her beloved Harold.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Porter, Pat Porter, Mark Schumacher, Paxton Porter, Jack Comer, Tyler Street, Andrew Cline, and Ashley Cline. Honorary pallbearers will include Tommy Haughaboo, Donald Christman, Ladies of Fleming County Hospital Auxiliary, Ladies of Fleming County Garden Club, and former Fleming County Schools students.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at 4 p.m., Sunday, at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home, 150 West Water Street, Flemingsburg, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Willa's memory to one of the following organizations, each of which held a special place in her heart:

• Fleming County Garden Club (C/O Eva Colgan, 107 Sharon Drive, Flemingsburg, KY 41041)
• Fleming County Hospital Foundation (P. O. Box 68, Flemingsburg, KY 41041)
• Saint Elizabeth Edgewood Hospice, (483 South Loop Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017)
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Friends may share online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com.

Willa’s life was measured not by what she accumulated, but by the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the faith she lived every day. Her legacy will continue through the family she cherished, the friends she loved, and the countless people blessed to know her.