Lawanda Darlene Nunn Porter was born on August 9, 1956, in St. Louis, MO to the parents of Dorothy Eddie Lee Bragg and Maxie V Nunn, stepfather Willie "Frank" Bragg. She attended East Side High School and was a 1974 graduate of Rock Island High School. She met the love of her life, Ozell Porter, Jr., and was married for over 35 years. They have one daughter, Loretha Chardae Nunn, who they raised with love, patience, and kindness. Lawanda accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Trinity Community Baptist Church, where she created the first praise dance team, served as an usher, and sang in the choir. Lawanda used her God-gifted talents for many things including sewing outfits for the praise team, decorating for church anniversaries, designing programs, creating beautiful corsages for weddings, and spending time gardening. She was truly a creative person at heart. For many years Lawanda worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as a Teacher Assistant and Rec Coordinator. Following retirement, she returned to the education system becoming a cafeteria employee at Rock Island High School. Lawanda will be fondly remembered for her kindness and creativity, which were evident in her career, unwavering commitment to the church, and deep love for her family.

Lawanda is survived by her beloved mother, Dorothy Bragg, her daughter, Loretha Nunn; her siblings Loredia (Rev. Larry) Dixon, Latressa (Johnnie) Jones, Tammy (Jermaine) Davis, Pamela Bragg, Shari McClean, Nickie Bragg, Retina Bragg, Celine Lee, Antonio Bragg, Dorinda Bragg, Damien Bragg, Tremere Bragg, Roshonda Bragg, Dionne Bennett; grandchildren, Aalaneia Motta and Aaron Alon Motta; Aunts, Barbara Conner and Janice Pulliam; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; special cousin, Althea Campbell; special friends, Beverly Evans and Wilma Tulsa; and special caregivers, Kathy, Wanda and Markesha. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ozell Porter, father, Maxie V; stepfather, Willie "Frank" Bragg Sr.; brother, Willie "Hollywood" Bragg Jr.; sister, Delphine Bragg, and nephew, Darvelle Nimmers.