Jewel Lene Dickerson Porter was born to the union of Dave and Willie Maggie Dickerson on August 16, 1942, in Scott, Arkansas. She was the youngest daughter in a family of ten children. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She furthered this commitment by uniting in Christian fellowship as an official member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Henderson White. Jewel cherished her worship and Sunday School time at Mt. Moriah.  

  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles Ralph Porter, Jr.; her brother Dave Dickerson, Jr; her sisters Katherine Dickerson, Ethel Rene Dickerson Oliver, Willie Mae Dickerson Allen, and Loretta Dickerson Harris.  

  During her adolescent years, Jewel attended Nelson Elementary and later attended Nelson High School in the Arkansas Pulaski County School District. After relocating with her family to Little Rock, she enrolled at Horace Mann High School. After Little Rock schools closed due to segregation in 1957, Jewel returned to Pulaski County School District to complete her education. She attended McAlmont High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Once desegregation laws were upheld, Jewel returned to Horace Mann High School. She completed her studies and graduated with her peers and lifelong friends as a proud member of the Class of 1960.  

  After securing her high school diploma, Jewel continued her education and began a storied collegiate career. Jewel always desired to be a nurse--the profession seemed to seamlessly fit her loving, caring, and uplifting persona. She followed her passion and attended the Little Rock Vocational School and became a licensed practical nurse. Soon after completing her undergraduate studies, Jewel was employed as a nurse at the University of Arkansas for Medical Services in Little Rock, AR. Later, she relocated to Hot Spring, AR, where she was employed as a nurse at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.  

  While working at St. Joseph's she met Virginia Clinton, the mother of President Bill Clinton. Mrs. Clinton was the supervising nurse at St. Joseph. Jewel was formally introduced to President Clinton by his mother. Later in life, Jewel's husband, Ralph Porter, would be presented with a special award acknowledging his career-defining work in Bronx, NY. This award would be presented to Ralph by President Clinton.  

  Jewel dedicated her professional career to advancing her skills in the field of nursing. She was encouraged by Mrs. Clinton and took a special interest in caring for patients recovering from cardiac issues.  

  In Hot Springs, Jewel met and married the love of her life, Ralph Porter. After marrying, the happy couple returned to Little Rock where Jewel joined the nursing staff at Baptist Hospital. The couple made their home in Brooklyn, New York, and eventually retired to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Jewel and Ralph were the happy, loving parents of two sons: Dana Andre and Sekou Senghor. Jewel continued the foundation of faith set in Little Rock by helping her entire family join First Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY, under the pastorage of Rev. C. Norman. Jewel furthered her nursing career by attending the University of Staten Island to become a registered nurse.  

  While in New York, Jewel once again affirmed her commitment to the field of nursing by serving as a nurse recruiter for Harlem Hospital. In her work, Jewel worked to share her passion with other nurses and even recruited nurses from the Philippine Islands to serve in NYC.  

  After retiring from work in city hospitals, Jewel became Director of Nursing at the Concord Nursing Home in Brooklyn, NY. After fully retiring from nursing, Jewel and her loving husband returned home to Hot Springs, AR to settle and live. The happy couple was blessed with 52 years of marriage. Jewel remained by Ralph's side until his passing in February 2021.  

  Jewel was an avid traveler. She had a keen interest in seeing the world on US and international trips. One of her favorite trips was to Europe to visit the United Kingdom. Jewel also enjoyed relaxing on vacation cruises, visiting the Bahamas, and beaching on the trip to the Hamptons. She enjoyed shopping and had a great eye for jewelry. Above all, Jewel was always a nurse at heart--loving and caring for all those close to her. She often shared her jewelry with her granddaughters, nieces, cousins, sisters, and loved ones. Jewel found peace in fishing. She enjoyed feasting on breams, buffalo, and seafood. Jewel was a firm believer in family and keeping her lineage and heritage alive. She would often travel to Scott, AR, to return to her roots and marvel at her humble beginnings.  

  Upon returning to Hot Springs, AR, Jewel reunited with Roanoke Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Massey. She enjoyed the preached word and fellowshipping with her church members and lifelong friends.  

  Jewel was a loving and proud mother and grandmother. She always made time for family. She loved her siblings dearly. Jewel met no stranger. She was a friend to all, and her engaging personality was welcomed by all who loved her.  

  Jewel is survived by her sons: Shabazz "Dana Andre" Dickerson of Brooklyn N.Y, and Sekou Senghor Porter of Atlanta, GA; two sisters Erma Dickerson of Little Rock, and Barbara Dickerson Rawls of Memphis, TN; three brothers Jordan Dickerson, Robert Lee Dickerson both of Little Rock, Major Dickerson (Brandy) of Clinton, MD, one brother-in-law Charles Oliver, Sr. of Little Rock. Seven grandchildren, one great-grandson, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.  

  The guest registry is at  http://www.  carriganmemorial.com .  

   Arrangements  are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.