Pamela Porter

Pamela Ann Sprowls (Hackleman) Porter Pamela Ann Porter, 73, of Grove, Okla. joined her husband in heaven on June 25, 2015, just 59 days after his passing. Pam was in Landmark Hospital in Joplin continuing treatment for a bacterial infection and then she unexpectedly developed sepsis. Pamela was born on July 6, 1941 in Joplin, Mo. to Sara Josephine Mildred Hidgon Sprowls and Clinton Arnold Sprowls. She was raised in her childhood home on 32nd street in Joplin, which at the time, was considered the country. She loved horses and would frequently pack a lunch and take off for a full day of exploring by horseback. Pam was always very outgoing and social with many, many, friends, including her lifelong best friend since 2nd grade, June Greer Seaverns. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1959. She married Jerry Lee Hackleman on December 24, 1959 in Joplin, Mo and from their union, they had two daughters: Kristina Lynne and Carol Lee. They lived in the A frame home on Duquesne Road where they ran their businesses H&H Castings and Wet Pets tropical fish store. In her young adult life, Pam enjoyed drag racing and loved racing their yellow GTO on a quarter mile section of what is now I-44. She started an animal rescue group in Joplin called Animal Aide Association and served as the president for numerous years. Pam was a Jasper County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, though she only used her title to help rescue abused animals. Because she disliked recognizing her age with a birthday celebration, she married the love of life Paul Eugene Porter on her birthday, July 6, 1983. From then on, only “anniversary” celebrations took place. Pam and Paul raised their girls in a home full of love, laughter and music. Pam spent most of her life coming to Grand Lake. Her parents built a cabin on the river before the lake had been filled. They spent most summer weekends on the lake and Pam continued spending as much time there as possible throughout her life. Pam and Paul eventually moved from Joplin to Grove in 1985 to enjoy lake living full time. Pam wanted to provide Pam was happiest when surrounded by her girls and her grandchildren. Being a grandmother was truly one of the greatest joys of her life. She devoted her entire life to her children and grandchildren. She lovingly cared for each of her grandchildren while their parents were at work. Even after a pituitary tumor caused instant blindness in 2007, she was still determined to continue taking care of her grandchildren. Macey, Ayden, Cale, Ethan and Andrew have amazing memories of all the fun they had while grandma spoiled them and surrounded them with love. Though she was a stay at home mom, CEO of the family was a more proper title. She took care of the household, ran the family business, ran a charity, showered her children with unconditional love, never missed her children or grandchildren’s events, and taught her daughters the value of hard work and that girls can do everything boys can do, and then some. Pam would share a favorite quotes like “remember Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels”. Pam left an amazing legacy behind in her daughters and grandchildren. She always made sure her girls and her grandchildren knew how much she loved them. They never doubted for a moment they were the center of her world. Her memory will be cherished forever. She is survived by her daughters Kristina Lynne Hackleman Wallace and husband Charlie Wallace and Carol Lee Hackleman Hunsperger and husband Eric Hunsperger both of Grove, Okla. Her grandchildren Macey Middleton, Andrew Wallace, Ethan Wallace, Ayden Hunsperger and Cale Hunsperger all of Grove. Her sister Deborah Nan Sprowls Logan, two nieces, one nephew and six great-nieces and newphews. She is also survived by her step daughters Stacy Tucker and her husband David, Donna North, and Tina Porter and partner Kim Kirkpatrick all of Joplin. Mo. and step-grandchildren Brandon Porter, Dusti Ricker, Garret Ricker, Kamren Tucker, Johnathon North, Megan Arnold, Amanda Porter, Tia Porter, Andrew Harthan, Zachary Harthan, Shanna Kirkpatrick, Jacob Kirkpatrick all of Joplin, Mo. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Paul Eugene Porter, her parents Sarah Josephine Mildred Sprowls and Clinton Arnold Sprowls, her brother Clinton Arnold “Sonny” Sprowls, twin infant brothers Donny and Ronny Sprowls, brother-in-law Michael Longan, and one granddaughter Ashely Porter. Services are 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Grove with Reverend Walter Sizemore officiating. Services have been place in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Special memories and condolences can be shared at brown-winters.com.

Pamela Porter

July 6, 1941 - June 25, 2015