Donna Eugenia "Gena" Porter Booker

Donna Eugenia “Gena” Porter Booker, a Chipley native and a resident of Tallahassee, entered into rest November 7, 2022 at the age of 60. Born on July 29, 1962 to Thomas and Flossie Porter, Gena spent her childhood years in Chipley. She attended Kate M. Smith Elementary and Roulhac Middle School before graduating from Chipley High School in 1980. After high school, Gena continued her studies at Florida State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. This was followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Auburn University Montgomery and, ultimately, a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Troy University. Her career consisted of both practicing as a licensed Nurse Practitioner and teaching nursing at multiple academic institutions. Her most recent position as a Keiser University nursing instructor solidified her role as a masterful educator. She was beloved by students for her knowledge, wit, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their success. Gena married Mike Booker on October 17, 2021 in a beautiful ceremony on St. George Island. She and Mike had very active social lives through their involvement in Springtime Tallahassee and 20th Century Krewe. A lover of costumes and galas, Gena and Mike were a staple at many events and parties. These events were the foundation for many great friendships. Gena and Mike were also huge beach lovers, traveling to St. George Island once a month to sit in the sand and walk the beach. They also loved to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy the crisp mountain air and all it had to offer. Gena’s children were the light of her life. Her eldest child, Nicole, lives in Louisville, KY, works for a large engineering company, and was recently married in Portugal. Her youngest, Zach, lives in Albany, OR where he is pursuing a career in pharmacy. She took immense pride in her children and spent every opportunity talking about them or to them or traveling to go see them. Gena was also an amazing friend. Her quick wit, wild stories, and thick accent made her an instant love to everyone she met. She could keep an entire room wrapt in a story and leave them crying with laughter. She had many friends but a few core friend groups that she spent countless hours with. Her loyalty and compassion knew no bounds and she was always there to help any of them in a time of need. Her work as a nurse practitioner and instructor, along with her travels, provided Gena an enlightened perspective on our world. The insights gained from first-hand experience working in the field of women’s and children’s healthcare brought forth her passion for human rights, even more specifically women’s rights. She was a fierce advocate of equality, quality healthcare for everyone, and putting words into actions. Gena’s kind nature, however, was not limited to her fellow man. She was also an avid lover of animals. Her grandfather, Ernest Owen, imparted upon her a unique affection for the creatures of the world. Gena spent the majority of her life surrounded by pets with which she had formed an inseparable bond. Any beast lucky enough to stumble upon her doorstep would be ensured a life of leisure, luxury, and love. Never was there ever a more dedicated FSU football fan. Win or lose, she would frequently develop what she called the “Chopper’s Elbow” fervently cheering on her beloved Seminoles. She attended innumerable games and two National Championships and instilled the love of college football in her children. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Chipley and very secure in her faith and love of Christ. She is survived by her husband Mike Booker; daughter Nicole Lankist and husband Zach Werne; son Zachary Lankist (Brandi Whiteman); parents Thomas Porter and Flossie Owen Porter; brother Brad Moore and wife Alba; in-laws Jim and Linda Booker; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 11th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST at Bevis Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service to follow. The service will be available to view live online at https://www.bevisfh.com. To watch, click on the word Obituaries at the top of the homepage, then click on the name of your loved one, and then the green Photos and Videos tab. Staff members will be available to answer questions or help with technical issues at (850) 385-2193. Also, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. CST Saturday, Nov. 12th at First United Methodist Church of Chipley. In honor of Gena, memorial contributions may be made to Partners for Pets in Marianna, FL. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

Tributes

Donna Eugenia "Gena" Porter Booker

July 29, 1962 - November 7, 2022