Mercie Mae Dalrymple Portis

Mercie Mae Dalrymple Portis was born April 25, 1914 in Lake Providence, Louisiana from the union of Oliver Lowell Dalrymple and Callie Simms. She had five siblings, Corine Willis of Detroit, MI, Frederick Rance Moore who preceded her in death, Jeanette Collins who preceded her in death, John Gage Moore of East St. Louis, IL, and Ruby Miller who preceded her in death. Mercie moved to Webster Groves, MO in 1954 where she resided until her death. She married Clarence Portis, to their union five children were born. She had one stepson, Clarence Portis, Jr. who preceded her in death. She had two son, Eugene O. Portis and Johnnie Portis both preceded her in death. She had three daughters, Rosemary Turner of St. Louis, MO, Calla {Peg} L. White of St. Louis, MO, and Toni M. Portis of St. Louis, MO. Mercie was baptized into her faith at the age of 16. She was God fearing and spirit filled. She was a devout prayer. What she did for her faith and family was her whole existence of life. Her love, influence, and wealth of knowledge spanned five generations. Mercie did not limit her love and influence to her family, she extended it to all she encountered. Mercie went to St. Louis public schools where she excelled in her studies. She is a graduate of Sumner High School. Mercie was very fond of education and she shared her great wealth of knowledge with everyone. Mercie worked for the United States Postal Service, where she met lifelong friends. She had her own tax business. She prepared taxes for family and friends for many years, up until age 89. Mercie enjoyed reading and gardening, along with spending quality time with her family. Mercie will be remembered greatly for her love of gardening and teaching all her grandchildren how to tend to the garden. "Momo", affectionately called by several grandchildren, was truly a part of women's history. In addition to our family history she left such a legacy that can be seen in her family and friends that she touched. "Well done thy good and faithful servant." She leaves to cherish her memory: Four generations - three loving daughters, Rosemary, Peg, and Toni; 25 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Internment: Laurel Hill Cemetery Pennsylvania Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri .