Matters of the Heart: Don and Tammy Porter

by Judy Williams

Don and Tammy Porter first met at Roosevelt High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Just one grade apart, their high school years did not lead to that special first date. It was later while in college at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), the magic moment happened. Don asked Tammy Eberle to attend a fraternity dinner dance, and the rest is history.

On Dec. 16, 1967, just 10 months after that first date, Don and Tammy married in a small, informal ceremony. They had their reception at the Ladies Literary Club in Ypsilanti. Following the wedding, the couple spent their honeymoon skiing at Boyne Mountain.

They have four children: Donald, III, in Alexandria, VA with wife Neena and daughters Sasha and Elina; Micah in Wheatridge, CO, with partner Brandan and Micah’s children, Sarah and Micah; Tara in Williamston, MI with husband Craig Moulton and their children, Ashley, Reese and Trey. Tony and Courtney Moulton are on their own, and Casey resides in Boston, MA, with husband Steven Coy and daughter Cassidy.

Don and Tammy grew up in Ypsilanti and lived there after marriage. They both graduated from Roosevelt High School and EMU—Tammy with a degree in Special Education and Don in Political Science. Eventually, they both received masters degrees from EMU, Don in School Administration and Tammy in Special Education/Learning Disabled.

After college, Don taught high school history and coached swimming at Ypsilanti High. Tammy started by teaching 4^thgrade and Special Education. She took time off from teaching to raise their family, while Don took a job as an assistant principal at Stockbridge High School.

“We were familiar with the Stockbridge community,” Tammy stated. “We had college friends from here, Mike Barber and Susan McKim. It seemed as if moving to Stockbridge and becoming involved in the community was just meant to be.”

Later, Don became principal for Smith Elementary, and during his last two years of 29 with Stockbridge Community Schools, he served as deputy superintendent under Bruce Brown. When their children became school aged, Tammy returned to teaching and taught for Dansville Schools.

The hobbies they enjoy together include fly fishing, golf, working in the yard and travel.

They have one word of advice for a successful marriage, “communicate!”