Sandra “Sandy” (Phillips) Porter Anderson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 85, at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Illinois. Born on a warm summer day, June 20, 1941, in Centralia, Illinois, daughter of Samuel Howard Phillips and Helen Mae (Stover) Phillips. Sandy lived a full and vibrant life, always surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Sandy married Jimmie Porter, they had two sons together, and later divorced. She then married Michael Anderson, they had two daughters together, and later divorced.
Sandy dedicated her working career to St Clair Mobile Home Sales, World Color Press, and later retiring from Cambridge/Rockwell, where she developed lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Her colleagues fondly remember her dedication and energetic spirit. Sandy’s heart was always in nature; she found great joy in being outdoors, embracing the simple pleasures of life with her two cherished dogs, Shiloh and Little Man, by her side. She was a free spirit and an all-around collector of treasures, finding beauty in the everyday.
Family was the core of Sandy’s existence. She is survived by her four children: Rod Porter and his wife Mary of Troy, Illinois; Troy Porter and his wife Neena of Defiance, Missouri; Lisa Lowery of Chicago; and Crystal Wenzel and husband Corey of Bluffton, South Carolina. She was the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren: Alex with his wife Haley, Sam and Lucy, Liam, Kathryn, Ashlyn, Caitlin, Leighton, Hudson, Mila, Beckham, and Saylor. She also cherished her three great-grandchildren: Grey, Lottie, and Emmie. Her legacy continues in the hearts of several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Sandy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Samuel and Helen Phillips, her brothers: Jimmy and William “Bill” Phillips, her sister: Doris Walters, and her dear sisters-in-law, Nelpha and Peggy Phillips.
A visitation will be held for Sandy on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois, followed by a Celebration of Life service at the same location starting at 2:30 PM. Sandy will be laid to rest by her parents in Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to HSHS Illinois Home Care and Hospice and Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois, is honored to assist Sandy’s family during this time. The family invites you to share memories and condolences online by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook Page. For those wishing to send flowers or a memorial gift, please visit the Sympathy Store.
