Sharon Denice Porter-Sands

Sharon Denice Porter Sands was born on May 30, 1956 in San Francisco, California to Beverly Porter and the late Norman Julius Porter. She was a member of Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Fleetwood Irving where she accepted Christ at an early age and served on the Usher Board. She attended and graduated from Vallejo High School. Upon graduation, she attended Prairie View A & M University where she was a member of the marching band and a charter member of Tau Beta Sigma, Epsilon Psi Chapter. She graduated from the Nursing program in 1978.

Sharon met Mickey B. Sands on the campus of Prairie View University. The two were later married on November 3, 1976. To this union two sons were born. Soon thereafter, the family established their home in Missouri City, Texas.

After briefly working at Ben Taub Hospital, Sharon worked at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as a Registered Nurse in the capacity of a Clinical Radiation Therapy Supervisor for 31 years.

Sharon was a faithful member of Brentwood Baptist Church pastored by Joe Samuel Ratliff where she diligently served in the Mass Choir and The Voices of Praise Choir.

Always willing to serve and sing God’s praises, Sharon actively participated in The Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir and the Northern California Choir. She was also a member of The Black Nurses Association of Greater Houston.

She made her transition from this life on Monday, December 3, 2012. She is survived by her mother Beverly Williams of Vallejo, CA; husband of 36 years, Mickey B. Sands of Missouri City, TX; two sons: Mitchell B. Sands (Jennifer) of Sugarland, TX and Marlon J. Sands (Braiyon) of Fresno, TX; one sister: Michelle Buford (Anthony Sr.) of Sugarland, TX; one sister-in-Law Jacquelyn Thomas (Howard) of Dallas, TX; three nephews: Absolom and William Lane and Anthony Buford Jr.; and three granddaughters: Layla, Bailee, and Aria Sands. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends whose lives she touched.