MIAMI — Willie Pearl Porter, a dedicated nurse and health care educator to hundreds in the profession, reaches another milestone as she celebrates her 103rd birthday.

Porter, a longtime Liberty City resident, will celebrate with family and friends on Sunday after worship services at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 1900 NW 54th St.

A native of Milton, Fla., Willie Pearl Kelker Porter, became interested in nursing as a child. She studied at Freedman’s Hospital School of nursing in Washington, D.C., and became a registered nurse in 1935. Her first job was as a public health nurse in Washington. In 1937, she became supervisor of nurses at Florida A&M College in Tallahassee, where she also served as a nurse for the high school and as health instructor.

She is an ardent supporter of education. For her 90th birthday, Porter established the Willie Pearl Porter Nursing Scholarship Fund for high school students who pursue a degree in nursing. She also is a loyal supporter and season ticket holder of the Miami Dolphins for more than 40 years.

Porter was married for 56 years to legendary educator Gilbert Porter, who died in 1995. The couple has two children, Albert and Laurestine.