Sandra Nicholson Porter

Sandra “Sandy” Nicholson Porter, 65, of Huntersville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, following a courageous 10-day stay in the intensive care unit.

Born in Duncan, South Carolina, on December 28, 1960, Sandy was the beloved daughter of Norma Gene Smith and the late William “Bill” Nicholson. She was a devoted wife to Cody Franklin Porter Jr., who loved her dearly and stood by her side throughout their life together.

A proud 1987 graduate of Clemson University, Sandy dedicated her professional life to the field of science as an exceptionally talented formulation and cosmetic chemist. Highly respected in her industry, she held several patents throughout her distinguished career before retiring from Energizer at age 64.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandy had a lifelong passion for learning, personal growth, and physical discipline. She began her martial arts journey at Clemson University under Master Billy Hong, earning her first-degree black belt. She continued her training under Grandmaster and Dr. King in Concord, North Carolina, ultimately achieving the rank of third-degree black belt. When she wasn’t training or working in the lab, Sandy could almost always be found with a book in hand. An avid reader, she was famously capable of devouring an entire novel in a single day.

Music was another great joy in Sandy’s life. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she sang in the Clemson choir during her college years and continued sharing her love of music throughout her life, often singing to her daughters. One of the most treasured moments of her later years was singing at her oldest daughter’s wedding. That final public performance left a lasting and deeply meaningful memory for everyone fortunate enough to hear her sing.

Sandy also had an extraordinarily gentle heart for animals. She adored her “fur babies,” from her cats and bunny rabbits to her tiny pet mice and gerbil. To Sandy, they were never simply pets; they were her babies, each deserving of the same tenderness, warmth, and care she extended to those she loved.

In a final act of love and generosity, Sandy’s daughters chose to honor her legacy by donating her organs, giving the gift of life to three families. Through this selfless gift, a part of Sandy’s legacy will live on, bringing hope and new beginnings to others even as those who loved her mourn her passing.

Above all else, Sandy cherished her family. She was a devoted and loving mother to her daughters, Victoria and Tristen, and was immensely proud of the women they became. She treasured their accomplishments, celebrated their joys, and supported them with unwavering love throughout their lives. She was also deeply devoted to her grandchildren, Sean and Annabella, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. In Sandy’s eyes, they could do absolutely no wrong, and her love for them was boundless.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Cody Franklin Porter Jr.; her mother, Norma Gene Smith; her stepfather, Charles “Buddy” Smith; her daughters, Victoria Jayne Poole and her husband, Adam Poole, and Tristen Porter Hill and her husband, Aaron Hill; her cherished grandchildren, Sean Poole and Annabella Poole; her brother, William “Billy” Nicholson; her sister, Laura Jayne Smith; and her beloved fur babies. She was preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Nicholson, and her grandparents, Nellie Gladell Preston and Norman Lockett Preston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandy’s memory to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and hope to individuals living with mood disorders and their loved ones.

To make a donation in her honor, please visit: https://www.dbsalliance.org/stories/sandra-n-porter/

A drop-in celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the family home:
12617 McGinnis Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078

Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose intelligence, strength, compassion, and love will never be forgotten.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com