News Summary
Ann S. Porter, a respected music teacher and family matriarch, passed away on April 24, 2025, at her home in Williamsburg, VA. Born in 1940, she greatly influenced her students’ lives and shared her passion for music throughout her career. Ann is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on May 10, 2025.
Williamsburg, VA – Ann S. Porter, an esteemed music teacher and cherished family matriarch, died on April 24, 2025, at her home in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 84. She was surrounded by her family, along with her two beloved cats named Fat Cat and Bad Cat, at the time of her passing.
Born on August 11, 1940, in Richlands, Virginia, Ann was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) C. Porter; her daughter, Kathryn (Kate) A. Rhodes (married to Torrey); her son, Claiborne (Clay) W. Porter (married to Ariane); along with her five grandchildren: Maya, Sadie, William (Will) Porter, and Lily and Piper Rhodes. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother, James (Jim) W. Smith of Bluefield, Virginia.
Ann’s upbringing was shaped by her father, a railroad engineer, and her mother, an elementary school teacher. She attended Graham High School in Bluefield, where she exhibited her passion for music as a cheerleader and a versatile band member, playing nearly every instrument available. Her love for music was further ignited by memorable experiences, such as attending a live concert by rock and roll icon Little Richard in her youth.
Continuing her education, Ann earned a music degree from Radford University and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her passion for music led to a diverse teaching career, which included working as a music teacher for the United States Army, where she had the unique opportunity to teach music in various global locations, including Okinawa, Japan, and Heidelberg, Germany.
After returning to the United States, Ann devoted herself to teaching music, directing choirs, and producing musicals, positively impacting countless students. Her reputation as a warm and friendly individual was well-known; she had a remarkable ability to forge connections and friendships wherever she went, from public rest stops to waiting rooms at doctors’ offices. Beyond her amiable nature, Ann possessed an insatiable intellectual curiosity. She enjoyed delving into literature, posing thought-provoking questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Ann was particularly passionate about music and was a steadfast believer that everyone had the ability to sing. This conviction drove her to encourage her students to recognize and develop their musical talents. Her unwavering dedication to her students and their success was central to her life and work.
A memorial service honoring Ann S. Porter is scheduled to take place on May 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bruton Parish Church or the Sentara Foundation in her memory.
Throughout her life, Ann’s influence extended far beyond just her family and students; she left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. Her legacy will endure through the lives she touched and the music she shared with the world.
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Additional Resources
- WYD Daily: Ann S. Porter
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- Legacy: August Barglof Obituary
- Google Search: Music Teachers Importance
- Legacy: Betty Caldwell Obituary
- Google Scholar: Impact of Music Education
- Virginia Living: Beach Cottage Soul
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music in Education
- Dignity Memorial: Jerry Porter
- Google News: Music Education News
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
