Marva R. Porchia Baxter

Marva Ree Baxter, 85, of Camden, Arkansas, passed away on August 18, 2026. Born August 3, 1941, to Reginald and Priscilla Porchia, Marva lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

A lifelong member of Good Hope Baptist Church, Marva dedicated herself faithfully for decades — serving on the kitchen committee, singing in the choir, and lovingly caring for her pastor as his personal nurse until her health no longer allowed it. She was a proud graduate of Lafayette High School, a segregated school in Camden, Arkansas, where she made a name for herself as a standout basketball player — earning the nickname “Wilt the Stilt” from her coach for her remarkable scoring records. She went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (then known as Arkansas AM&N), where she continued her athletic legacy as the lead scorer for the intramural team.

On August 29, 1964, Marva married the love of her life, Ezell Baxter. Though she never had biological children of her own, she poured her love into her nieces, nephews, and younger siblings, becoming a mother figure to all who knew her. For more than 50 years, she dedicated her life to teaching as a preschool teacher, finding her greatest joy in shaping young minds — especially those of her own nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Outside of her calling to teach, Marva enjoyed a rich and full life — watching western movies, gardening, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, knitting and sewing, and her regular trips to Walmart. She was widely known and celebrated for her famous sweet potato pie.

Marva was known for her sweet demeanor, always welcoming and willing to help anyone who needed it. She had a divine radiance and impacted so many with her kind and loving nature.

Marva was preceded in death by her husband, Ezell Baxter; her parents, Reginald and Priscilla Porchia; her three brothers, RG Porchia, Harvey Porchia, and Lonnie Porchia; and her nephews, Billy Porchia, Jr. and Harvey Keith Porchia.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her sisters, Margaret Strickland (Carl) and Bonnie Graves; her brothers, Billy Ray Porchia (Frances), Ronnie Porchia (Linda), Dexter Porchia (Cynthia), Bruce Porchia (Belinda), and Phillip Porchia (Cynthia); along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved her dearly.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that her life was one of love, warmth, and beauty of spirit. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.