Aimee Potter

Aimee Louise Potter, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, Kentucky on September 17, 2025, at the age of 65, following a short illness. Born in Berea, Kentucky to James H. Hays, II and Mona Louise Lawhorn Hays, she was a woman of big smiles, surprises and laughter.

Aimee lived a life full of love for her Kentucky Wildcats, which started as a young girl listening to Caywood Ledford on the radio, while she watched the games on the television with her grandmother. She took "crazy cat lady" to a whole new meaning as an avid true blue fan, having been known to decline any event that conflicted with game day. Aimee spent many years as a blogger and commentator on A Sea of Blue, which later inspired her to write her first book, following some of the greats of Kentucky Basketball and Football from 2009-2013. "The Untouchables" team of 1996 was her all-time favorite and getting to see Mark Pope return to Kentucky was something she always talked about.

Aimee often talked about her time as a student at Annville Institute, where she attended until 1976. She formed many life-long friendships there and was very involved in several campus activities such as National Honor Society, photography and choir. She always looked forward to attending reunion events and reconnecting with others to share special memories from Lincoln Hall and other areas of the campus. Her most memorable times in school was during a pinball tourney, where she was adorned with the title of "Pinball Wizard" and a second place finish in ping pong.

Following in her parents' footsteps, Aimee attended banking school after high school and was a long-time employee of Jackson County Bank of McKee. She retired in 2021 from Pieratt's where she worked as office manager.

Aimee's favorite time of all was with her family. She loved finding good deals at TJ Maxx with her daughter and taking the backroads anywhere. Holidays were full of moments she had spent months preparing for, and she loved to make each person feel special. She really wanted to make those around her smile and laugh, not just those she loved but strangers she met as well. She loved game nights with her family and storytime and kisses with her great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Donnie Potter, their beloved son, James Potter and special companion, Jim Bevan as well as her parents and step-mother, Nellie Casteel Hays.

Aimee is survived by her daughter, BJ (Chris) Chaney, her grandchildren, Daniel (Jenna) Potter, Christian Potter, Ethan Martin, Andrew (Gabriella) Chaney, and Kyser Chaney as well as an adorable great-grandson, Oliver Sage Potter, her brothers William (Alicia) Hays of London, KY, James (Pam) Hays III of McKee, KY, Doug (Debbie) Hays of Lexington. She also leaves behind two special daughters-in-heart, Miranda Gill and Tammy Pearse, as well as a host of special nieces and nephews.

Three special angels were sent to love Aimee during her illness: Madison Feuler, Sally Iseral and Kelly Fitch. What started as a care team quickly turned into a circle of the very best of friends. Aimee always looked forward to their weekly visits, and they never failed to tell each other how much they loved one another.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Lakes Funeral Home in McKee, KY on Saturday, September 20 at 2:00PM with Brother Brian Gabbard officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00PM. A memorial will be held in the Potter Family Cemetery on Jackson County High School Road in McKee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care Plus, in Aimee's memory at 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475.