Theresa Carol Poteet Paulin

Theresa Carol Poteet Paulin, 72, a beloved member of her family and community passed away quietly on Monday, November, 24, 2025 at the Hospice Home in Burlington, NC surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July, 8, 1953, in Burke County, NC and lived a life enriched by her education, career and various interests.

A proud graduate of Sacred Heart College in Belmont, NC (Class of 1974), Theresa started her career in public relations (PR) and marketing at Hill & Knowlton in Chicago. After raising her children, Theresa continued professionally at Presbyterian Homes, a continuous care retirement community in the Chicago suburbs.

Theresa was very active in parish life at St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago. She was an Eucharistic minister, started a support group for divorced Catholics and sang in the choir for many years. She also enjoyed singing in the choir at Epiphany of the Lord in a suburb of Houston. Theresa found joy in reading, art, history and travel. Her profound love for flowers reflected her appreciation for natures’ beauty. She particularly enjoyed the beach, reveling in time spent on the shores of Lake Michigan, California and the Carolinas, where “there is much scope for the imagination.” However, what she treasured most was the time spent with her family, creating lasting memories that will continue to warm their hearts.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 16 years, Douglas William Paulin, and their dog, Sloopy, who shared many wonderful memories with her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion to her children, Susan Yndo Paul and David John Paul, as well as her stepchildren, Brian Andrew Paulin and Tara Paulin Miller and her husband, Cory. Her cherished step-grandchildren, Devin, Olivia, Ella and Cassidy Miller, held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia Yndo Poteet; her sister, Marie Poteet Frazier; her brother, James Yndo Poteet and his wife, Sheryl; and several nieces and nephews who will continue to honor her memory. Theresa was preceded in death by her father, James Jackson Poteet. 

Her family takes comfort in the legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind, and they will carry her spirit with them in all that they do.

A funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Graham, NC on Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 10:00AM.

Memorials may be made to either Heifer International, www.heifer.org, or the Sarcoma Foundation of America, www.curesarcoma.org.

You may send condolences to the family online at www.lowefuneralhome.com.