Thelma "Jean" Potter

Thelma "Jean" Potter, 88, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
Jean was born on April 10, 1937, in Fentress County Tennessee, the daughter of Phillip Oakley Duncan Sr. and Flora Lee (Matthews) Duncan. She was one of four children with the family living in several towns over the years.
Jean met Arthur, the love of her life, while working at a small diner in Jamestown, Tennessee. She was employed as a waitress when Arthur pretended he was coming in for the coffee, but was actually there to flirt with Jean. A year later, on December 22, 1956, a minister sealed their bond in a furniture store in Jamestown. A true sign of the times. There they started the journey of 68 years of love, friendship, and the creation of a beautiful family.
Jean was employed at several Muncie locations including Lowery's Chocolates, Feeny Manufacturing, a dress shop, restaurants and ice cream shops.
Jean and Arthur completed the building of their Muncie house moving into their home in 1964. They delighted in raising Deborah and William in this family home and Jean continued living there until her passing. As Jean lost both her brothers at young ages she continued a strong and lasting bond with her sister Kay.
Jean enjoyed so many things in life including caring for her flowers and plants, playing slot machines, traveling, attending church with her friends, her Precious Moments collection, and many fun-filled fishing trips. She loved holiday times with family and truly enjoyed creating a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. But most of all, the joy shown brightest during time spent with her family particularly her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jean is survived by her husband of 68 years, Arthur Earnest Potter; children, Deborah Kay (Potter) Hoppe (husband Patrick William Hoppe) and William Emsley Potter (wife Shirley Frances (O'Connor) Potter); grandchildren, Jenna Kay, Collin Emsley, Nicholas Edward, and Blake Francis; great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Rory, and Callahan; sister, Kay Frances (Duncan) Ballard (husband Roy Keith Ballard-deceased); nieces, Vickie, Pamela, Sandi, and Denise.
Jean was preceded in death by, her parents; siblings, Edward Ray Duncan and Phillip Oakley "Junior" Duncan.
Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, with Pastor Lee Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Tomlinson Cemetery.
Friends and family may call from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel.
At the family's request, should you wish, please make any donations to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meeksmortuary.com