Gloria Dru Smith Potter passed peacefully at home in VA Beach, on December 3rd, twelve days shy of her 93rd Birthday. She was the daughter of Charles L. & Ruby Gunter Smith. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 yrs Thomas A. Potter, Sr. & her brother Charles L. Smith Jr. (Sonny). Surviving is her son, Thomas A. Potter, Jr. (Gina) & daughter Lisa Dru Potter-Ketner both residing in VA Beach. Proud of her four grandchildren; Thomas A. Potter 111 (Michele), Tyler Potter Sakis & Casey John Potter (Gina) all of VA Beach & Lorren M. Ketner (Shelby) of OH along with 4 great grandchildren; Charlie, Lucy Belle & Sully Potter & Blake Sakis. As well as many nephews, nieces & cousins.
Gloria was a graduate of Granby High School, a honor graduate with a BA in English from William & Mary & a masters in Library Science from VCU. She taught English in Norfolk & Richmond, VA, was the librarian at St. Mary's school & an assistant librarian at the Collegiate Schools in Richmond.
She is best remembered for her love of family & friends. She served in many capacities at local civic & church organizations. Being a former Bayside Presbyterian church elder, Librarian & a office assistant was gratifying as was interpreting 18th century life as a docent at the Historic Lynnhaven House and as a Red Cross receptionist in Bowling Green, OH.
She enjoyed meeting people & contributed to the community by serving as President of the United Methodist Women's club, a volunteer at Wood County Hospital, OH as well as a member of the Princess Anne Woman's club. She was an enthusiastic world traveler with dad throughout their lives.
A special thank you to caregivers that helped with 24 hr care for many years, as well as her thoughtful neighbors.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1PM at Hollomon-Brown located at 1264 N Great Neck Rd. Reception to follow. Private burial will be held Sunday. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association or any SPCA. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com

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December 9, 2025

SHIRLEY WESTHOFF posted to the memorial.

December 9, 2025

Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory - Great Neck Chapel announced events.

December 9, 2025

Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory - Great Neck Chapel posted an obituary.

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SHIRLEY WESTHOFF

December 9, 2025

Mariner's Mark lost a treasure in the passing of Gloria. I became friends with her through our weekly Bridge game. She had such a sharp mind that being her partner was a honor and a guaranteed interesting game.
When she became unable to participate in the weekly games, I enjoyed short visits with her instead, bringing her books and something sweet to fill her sweet tooth. She liked to say that my visits fed her mind, her stomach, and her heart.
She will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss her. I'm grateful for the brief time that she was in my life.
Rest in peace Gloria.