Sarah Elizabeth Porter Smith

Sarah Porter Smith, 48, was born in Greenville, Mississippi on February 21, 1977, and died peacefully at home in Oxford on November 19, 2025, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Sarah was a ray of sunshine with an unwavering devotion to her family, church and work. The funeral service will be Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Barrett Milner officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

The daughter of Albert Jack Porter and the late Barbara Diane Cain Porter, Sarah was a 1995 graduate of Washington School in Greenville, MS where she was a cheerleader. She went on to study at Mississippi Delta Community College where she received her Radiological Studies Degree in 1997. While in school, she was a member of the Trojans Cheer Team and excelled in her classes.

Sarah met the love of her life, Cliff, in high school and they were married in January of 2000. After living in the Mississippi Delta, Cliff and Sarah made Oxford, MS their home. She settled in and began working as an X-ray technician with University Sports Medicine where she was loved by her co-workers and patients alike for over ten years. Sarah was known for her sense of humor, patience and willingness to work hard. With an enthusiastic love of holidays, Sarah embraced every season with joy and especially loved Christmas. She was always eager to decorate for each holiday and, whether it was her home or office, her decor perfectly matched the warmth of the season. Sarah was a beloved member of First Presbyterian Church of Oxford.

By far, Sarah’s greatest joy was her son, Sterlin. She was his biggest fan and devout follower of all his sports and activities. She treasured her time with family and captured special memories in her many scrapbooks. Sarah’s other hobbies included camping, bunco, attending the theater and spending time at the beach.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Cliff Smith of Oxford, MS and her son, Sterlin Jackson Smith of Oxford, MS; her father, Albert Porter of Tuscaloosa, AL; a brother, Allen Jack Porter of Mandeville, LA; mother in law, Ruchell Phillips of Oxford as well as her beloved dog, Sadie

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the many health professionals and caregivers that made an impact during Sarah’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made for the benefit of Sterlin’s education and future needs to www.supportnow.org/sterlin-smith or to Raymond James (for the benefit of Sterlin Smith) 400 S. Lamar, Suite A, Oxford, MS 38655.