Laura Ann Evans

*** TIME CHANGE Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00pm visitation and service at 3:00 p.m. ***
Laura Ann Porter-Evans (Lori) passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on Wednesday Oct. 15th 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Lori was preceded in death by her father, Stephen H. Porter Sr., mother, Judy Robinson, nephew, Christopher Porter. She is survived by sons: Brandon (Amber) Stinson, Cameron Thomas, and daughters: Ashley (Michael) Evans, Hope (Nic) Johnston, nieces: Kimberly (Cody) Darnell, Amber (Cam) Porter, nephews, great niece, nephew, her sister-cousin, Becky (Anthony) Taylor-Stafford and the entire Thomas family.
Lori was born on August 24, 1975 in Columbus, Ohio to Stephen H Porter Sr. and Judy (Hill) Porter. Lori and her brother Stevie were very close, and had a great childhood- full of family trips to Cedar Point, family cookouts, family time at the Moose Lodge, and roller skating. She was a true Daddy's girl. Lori loved cooking with her mom, and was taught all the family recipes, including her famous baked beans and beef n' noodles.
She attended Whitehall Yearling High School. In 1994 she had a baby boy, Brandon Stinson who changed her life. She was so happy to be a mommy. In 2002, she met and married Marvin Evans. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Ashley, in 2001. Growing up, Brandon and Ashley's friends adored Lori, and always felt loved by her.
She was a forklift operator for over 25 years. She was known to hold her own in a man's world. After parting ways with Marvin in 2018, Lori lived life on her own, and embraced a new chapter. She met the love of her life, Michael Thomas. They spent every day together, and they created the most beautiful love.
Lori fit right in with the Thomas family, and they welcomed her with open arms. They loved her as one of their own. She loved spending family time watching Cleveland Browns games. Her all-time favorite Thomas family vacation was traveling to the Smoky Mountains. Lori loved being with her daughter Ashley, going to yard sales, thrift stores, and she loved decorating their homes. She truly enjoyed long car rides with "The windows down and the stereo up." They will miss her coming home and singing, "I'm bacckk."
Lori was unexpectedly diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in February 2024. Through her struggles, she fought with a fist, a smile and never complained. Mike and Ashley never left her side, caring for her day in and day out.
Lori was known to be brave, courageous, inspirational, picky, sweet and scrappy, loving, kind, and a firecracker. She made you feel better after seeing her. In her son Brandon's words, "She was a beautiful, strong woman who would do anything for anybody, but good Lord!- Don't make her mad."
Not only was she my cousin, she was my sister, my friend until the end. She made my life better.
I love you always and forever,
Your Shark
Laura's family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH, where her funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. conducted by Mr. Matthew Thomas. Arrangements under the care of Cotner Funeral Home and Crematory.
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