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BORN
1955
DIED
2021
Terry Potts Obituary
March 8, 1955 - April 18, 2021
Millsboro, Delaware - Terry Bowers Potts, 66, went to her heavenly home on April 18, 2021 and was immediately wrapped in the arms of her daughter, Danielle Renee Potts. Her passing was unexpected, and her family and friends are shocked and deeply saddened.
Terry was a devoted wife to Dan for 43 years, a loving mother to Danielle and Ashlea and was so excited to be a doting GiGi to Molly.
She grew up in Royersford, PA and was a graduate of Spring Ford High School. She went on to get her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Millersville College, where she met Dan. While living in Lancaster she worked at Fulton Bank and was choir director at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
From a very young age, music was a passion of Terry's. She taught music at David Cox Road Elementary School (12 years), Croft Community School (10 years), and private piano lessons. One of her fellow teachers remembered her by saying, "Terry leaves behind a legacy of students whose lives she impacted." Anyone who spent time with Terry knew she looked for every and any opportunity to break out in song.
For more than 30 years, Terry made her home in Charlotte, NC. She was a member of the University City United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir and was the church pianist/accompanist when needed. Terry was also very involved in her community. She served on the board of the Davis Lake Community and was very active at Bailey's Glen.
Her family will miss her terribly. Terry leaves behind her husband, Dan Potts; her daughter, Ashlea Potts Beilis (Brandon) and granddaughter Molly Danielle Beilis; her sisters Kate Bieski and Wendy Bowers (Jim Ricciuti); mother-in-law Kathryn Potts; brother-in-law Gary Potts (Patty); nieces Drea Weeks, Jenni Mihalcik, and Kelly Potts; nephews Jordan Lajoie (Erin), Brian Ricciuti (Kaitlyn), and Shawn Potts; great nieces Felicia West, Emily Ricciuti, and Hadley Ricciuti; great nephew Daulton Weeks. Terry was predeceased by her daughter, Danielle Renee Potts; her parents Charles and Anna Bowers; her father-in-law, Ralph Potts; her nephew Tyson Lajoie; and her great nephew Carter Lajoie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the University City United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Terry's family has asked that you make a donation to the charity of your choosing and send in care of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. To send an online condolence, please visit, www.rtfoard.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Janet Finke
June 8, 2021
I was so excited when I recently found Terry on FB. I remember her as a joyful, giving, and loving teacher at David Cox Road. I pray that your hearts will be healed by the cherished memories and the joy Terry brought to you.
Christine Cockerham
May 10, 2021
My heart aches hearing of the loss of such an inspirational friend! She "roped" me in to sub in the art room for a few weeks back in 2013 that lead into a full time position where I got to work along side her. Terry was a tremendous supporter of the arts and we enjoyed putting on plays and musicals together. We certainly did our share of busting out laughing a lot to keep our sanity through all the highs and lows of being an educator. I learned so much from her as my mentor. Terry always had great advise to give and stood up for what she believed in. I truly admired her for that! She mostly called me by my last name...Cockerham, always pronouncing it correctly..."Cockrum!" When Terry would call me by my first name Christine, she either had something serious to discuss with me or she was just being endearing! I LOVED the way she said my name it was like she was a big sister!
Terry was a woman who wore many hats...I mean that both figuratively and literally. She willed me a few holiday "beauties" before she retired. I wear them proudly at school and think of her often. I was hoping this summer was going to be our time to hoist a few glasses in Delaware! I will hoist them here on earth thinking of you in your beautiful heavenly home!
My love and prayers flow for you,
Dan and Ashlea!
Rest in peace dear friend you are greatly missed!
Love you forever!
Christine
Lisa
May 6, 2021
We miss you so very much down here but know you are now leading the choir and putting bows in the hair of young angels up there. See you again my dear friend. Love you, Lisa snow
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Bill & Linda Gluck
May 3, 2021
Dan, we are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. We will always remember the fun days at UCUMC and also your visits to our daylily garden. You and Terry were always such an inspiration to us. Such a beautiful, loving lady will be missed.
Debbie Iannucci
April 28, 2021
Our Snow Queen
Candice Altemus-Dishman
April 28, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved teaching with Terry at David Cox! She is a wonderful, loving woman!
Nancy Schasny
April 27, 2021
She was a great music teacher at David Cox I was lucky to work with her and she was a music teacher for my daughter Abby! She taught Abby piano lessons for 10 years! Abby just loved her! Condolences to a great woman and educator! We will always remember her! God bless!
Ed. G. Mathis
April 27, 2021
-Newell, NC
Sincere Condolences,
Rose [email protected]
April 27, 2021
Dan,
I will forever miss Terry as she was not just a friend, but family of the heart. I cherish the memories we all enjoyed and am forever grateful I met you two and Ashley and got to share in your lives. Please now I am always here for you and your family. May God bless you and comfort you.
John Heil
April 26, 2021
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss. I couldn't believe it when I saw the obituary. I pray that God will comfort you and your family and give you strength at this time. Terry was a very special person.
Melinda Mouzzon
April 26, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences in your loss. Terri was a great teacher and amazing NBCT. We will miss her own our scoring team. Prayers for all her knew and loved her.
Sue Berkheimer Toumazou
April 25, 2021
Dear Dan and Ashley,
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Terry's passing. May God give you all the strength you need as you mourn her loss.
Linda Duncan
April 25, 2021
Terry, you have left your earthy home leaving behind so many family and friends who will miss you dearly, but you are in a beautiful place now and forever with your loved ones. Time passes swiftly, and soon you will be reunited with those you have temporarily left behind. May God provide peace to those who grieve, and may their sorrow pass so that they may come to embrace with joy their many memories.
Cousin Linda
Mary Wittemann
April 25, 2021
Dear Dan, Ashlea and Family. While heaven may have gained another soul, I am sure that you were not prepared to let go of her here on earth. My deepest sympathy to your family. I felt the caring and warmth from both Terry and Dan as I was growing in their youth group. I was just speaking to someone this week about the love and support I experienced from both of you. Many fond memories will always be treasured in my heart from the time you were willing to invest in my life. May you lean into Jesus' embrace as you greive the passing of your wife and mother. Terry was one in a million! My prayers are with you and your family. A BIG hug and much love, Mary Canter Wittemann
Tom and Jeanne Freece
April 25, 2021
About teachers:
What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
- George Bernard Shaw
About those who teach music:
Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” – Jimi Hendrix
Cousin Terry was the best of both! Her family, our extended family have endured so much loss over the past several years; Lord Jesus help us to understand and accept your will. May The Lord’s blessings be upon Terry and each of us.
With Love,
Cousin Tom Freece and wife Jeanne
Jerry O'Brien
April 25, 2021
Dear Potts Family, I was one of the many teachers blessed to work with Terry during the summers for the National Board down in Charlotte. I can't begin to tell you what a positive and fun experience it was to work with Terry there over the years. She was hard working, knowledgeable, and entertaining all wrapped in one. We all enjoyed her insightful (and sometimes humorous) comments and musical perspective that she brought to our group. Please know she was a valued and loving member of our Charlotte summer family and we will miss her dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless! Jerry O'Brien
Jill Carson
April 25, 2021
Dan, Ashlea and family, I was so sorry to see about Terry's passing in this morning's paper. We lost touch with each other after your move to NC. But I have fond memories of working with Terry and know how important all of you were to her. I hope your many wonderful memories of and with her will be able to help you find peace and comfort. Jill Carson
Bill and Ruth Crabtree
April 25, 2021
Dan,
We are so saddened by the unexpected news of Terry's passing. She touched and blessed so many. Our thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences go to you and family.
Marianne Prophet
April 25, 2021
God gained another Angel. Terry was a beautiful, warm, and loving teacher. She touched many students and parents with her talents, and love of music..The legacy she leaves behind are cherished memories. Our hearts go out to Dan, Ashlea, Brandon, and Molly. May Our Lord bring you HIS peace and provide you strength during this difficult time. God Bless you.
Diane Shaul
April 25, 2021
Dan, Ashlea, and family,
Our deepest sympathy and love go out to you. We will always have so many fun and beautiful memories from our wonderful years as a (dance family). Terry was definitely one of a kind! I know her light will forever shine on through friends and especially family. Our love to all of you at this time.
The Shauls- Diane, Tom, Heather, Danielle and Gabby
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