Laura Jean Porter, age 65 of Pensacola, Florida passed away on April 14, 2026.  

Laura was born in Knox, Indiana to Earl Richard Nerger Jr. And Virginia Irene Nerger. She has been in the Pensacola area for 47 years. During her time in Pensacola, she attended St. Luke United Methodist Church. An avid gardener, Laura was a member of the Pensacola Rose Society and a master rosarian. She was most importantly a loving mother, wife and a caring friend to many.  

Laura is preceded in death by her father, Earl Richard Nerger, Jr.  

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Benjamin Simon Porter Jr; her mother, Virginia Nerger; her children, Jeffery Joseph Porter and Ashley Nicole Brewton; grandsons, Jordan Jeffery Porter and Emmett Connor Brewton; her brother, Earl Richard Nerger III; and numerous extended family and friends.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Luke United Methodist Church, Ascension Sacred Heart’s doctors and staff, Emerald Coast Palliative and Hospice Care, Comfort Keepers’ home caregivers, Dr. Serendipity Rinonus, MD, PHD Neurology/Oncology, and the neurological intensive care unit at UF Health Shands Hospital.  

A memorial service to honor Laura’s life will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1394 E. Nine Mile Road Pensacola, Florida 32514, on Thursday, April 30, 2026. A visitation will be from 10:00AM-11:00AM with the service immediately following. After the service concludes, there will be time for fellowship and food will be served at 12:00PM.  

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