Iris "Jerry" Jerlene Portacci

March 8, 1934 - November 20, 2021

Iris (Jerry) Jerlene Portacci, Beaumont, Texas, formerly of Port Arthur, went to her eternal Heavenly home Saturday, November 20, 2021. She was born March 8, 1934, in Gladewater, Texas, to James Odell and Alma Oleta Dunlap. She is preceded in death by both parents, her husband of 61 years, Nick T Portacci; daughter, Kathy Portacci Harkey; and sisters, Jeannine Dunlap Bowden and Carolyn Dunlap Attaway. She is survived by 5 of her 6 Children; 18 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren Children: Dr Mark and Jamie Portacci; Karey (Susie) and Gerald Hebert; Michael and Ruth Portacci; Mathiew and Dana Portacci; Kristy and Matt Pinkston. Grandchildren: Kristopher Portacci, Katie Portacci-Quatrano, Samuel Portacci, Marin Portacci, Troy Williamson; Rachel Sonnier, David Sonnier; Shawn Harkey, Sadie Harkey Price, Kate Harkey; Vincent Portacci, Adam Portacci, Toni Portacci Redmer; Cassie Portacci Tijerina, Nicholas (Nick) Portacci; Alana Pinkston Dierking, Millie Brown, Lexi Pinkston. Extended family: Stefanie Mattes, niece and Don Harkey son in law As a child Jerry grew up in East Mountain graduating Salutatorian of East Mountain High School. She received a scholarship for Secretarial studies at TWU and moved to Galveston where she was introduced to Nick Portacci. They married later that year on December 23, 1951as Nick began his 4 years of service in the Navy during the Korean War on the Bores vessel. Three of their 6 children were born in different states on different Naval bases. After leaving the Navy, they settled in Alta Loma, (Santa Fe), Texas, moved to Galveston, then to Port Arthur where Nick began a career in shrimping and then commercial highway grass cutting. The remaining 3 children were born in Galveston. When the youngest child, Kristy was 10 and Jerry was 40 years of age, she enrolled in LVN School at Lamar University. She graduated Valedictorian of her class at age 42. After a few short years of working as an LVN, she pursued and obtained her RN AD degree with honors, while working full time as an LVN. She worked at Baptist, St Mary’s and Mid Jefferson Hospitals before moving to PAISD School Nursing. Her purpose for School Nursing was, of course, financial and helping others, but also because of the flexibility for grandchildren starting to be born. She poured her heart and soul into everything she did! Her heart was always for her children and grandchildren. As long as she could get to her children and grandchildren, there was nothing that kept her from “being there” for her family. It was amazing passing your mother in the hallways at Lamar University. Several children were in college at the same time as Mother. There was a sense of pride in each of her children for Mother stepping out for further education while still raising her family. And how amazing that Kathy and Michael got to work briefly with Mother at Mid Jefferson Hospital. A close second to her family were her precious dogs. Many have said that her dogs got better treatment than the children! Jerry doted over her dogs. She had an uncanny connection and understanding of her dogs. Dogs were always a part of this family! Now all her children have at least one dog! As a master seamstress Jerry created many beautiful outfits for both her children and grandchildren. She embroidered heirloom pieces to display on mantles and tables to be cherished for years. Michael remembers walking in from elementary school and seeing patterns and material laid out on the dining table ready to sew into an outfit. Many of the clothes she sewed were worn by her and the girls. Mother always made sure her children were clean and well dressed. Mother was resourceful at a time when family finances were tight. Flair – guess you could say Jerry had flair! This kind of goes along with her perfection in all that she did. Whatever she had, she made beautiful. Her home was always so clean even with 6 kids, baseboards and wood floors were a weekly chore. Though she was stunningly beautiful, she didn’t know she was. But she loved beautiful things! She presented herself with dignity, beauty, and style not just from without, but mostly within. Her hair, makeup, accessories and clothing became a signature of hers as the kids left the nest and she was able to purchase a bit more. Yes, she was very beautiful and took great care of herself. Both Jerry and Nick were Master Gardeners and grew the most beautiful yard, flowers, vegetable gardens and fruit trees to share and enjoy with others. Their love of gardening came from their own childhood growing up farming. It also came out of financial necessity with their large family. And now gardening and flowers have been passed on to all of her children. Jerry loved learning history and travelled extensively. Because of her School Nurse job, she was able to Chaperone and enjoy many annual world trips with some of her students. Her love of children continued in school nursing where she mentored many of her students in healthcare careers and encouraged other students in significant life issues. You can see by now that everything Jerry did, she did with passion, excellence and great care. She persevered through good times and bad, you cannot escape this life without trials. But she had a calm assurance in her soul. Her faith was constant. It was who she was. This came from a relationship with Christ that began in her young life. She made it her life mission from the birth of her first child to her last to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her pursuit of filling her dreams with plan and purpose inspired all her family for generations to come. She was a great encourager to others in her daily life. Her students, coworkers, care givers but most of all to her children and grandchildren and extended family. Her calls were always about you and others in the family, never about herself. he exemplified grace and generosity in everything she did. Jerry was very humble and had a servant’s heart. She loved fiercely.