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Florence Potter Obituary
She was born in Berryville, Va., on July 17, 1934, the ninth of ten children and last surviving child of the late Bertrand Smith and Minnie Wilson-Smith, also of Berryville. She was a graduate from Johnson-Williams School (K through 12) in 1951 and earned an academic scholarship to college. She worked in various positions, most recently as a bookkeeper at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base Commissary and retired from federal employment from SUSHIPS. She had several favorite pastimes which began with basketball in high school and many years as an avid bowler in leagues throughout Eastern Connecticut, earning many trophies and prize money at the local, state, and national level.
She loved attending Masonic dances and participating in two social clubs, the Gayettes and the Good Samaritans. She and her husband enjoyed playing board games with their children, especially Scrabble.
She is survived by her children, Florence Potter and her sons, Angelo and Machito Gomez and Rajean Rogers; Gary Potter and his wife, Linda, and their daughters, Jennifer and AshLi and son, Daniel Morrison; Charles Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, and their sons, Gary, Charles III, Collin, and Clayton; Linda Chinn and her husband, C. Michael, and their daughters, Tameisha and Takeisha; Terry and his wife, Sylvia, and their children, Talia and Terry Jr.; John and his wife, Lisa, and their daughters, J'Lise, Jovanna, and Jaelynn and her youngest daughter, Kenya Potter. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and two great-nieces; and by her two lifelong friends, Willie Mae Hurt and Gladys Eutsey, both of Groton.
She was predeceased by a nephew, whom she raised, Francis Smith "Snookie".
She was a proud member of Shiloh Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served as a mother on the board.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London. Relatives and friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London CT 06320.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester Gee Funeral Home, 108 Blinman St., New London.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Florence Potter
DWIGHT BALDWIN
November 16, 2010
MS. POTTER WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US ALL. A WONDERFUL SOUL, TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Monica Gibson
November 7, 2010
To the Potter family and a special message to Chuck.
What a great tribute written for your mom! It was just beautiful. There is a part that touch me the most and it is where you mention that she taught all of you to be giving and to give people love, treat them with kindness. How true
all of this is. I do not know all of you but you have a brother who has shown me these things. That is John.
John , his wife and their daughters are very special to me and to my family. Your mom can be proud of all of you.
It is not easy when we lose someone we love, how well I know but I hope the memories each of you carry in your hearts bring comfort in the times ahead.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you .
Sincerely Monica Gibson
Don Butler
November 5, 2010
Chuck, Terry, and Family.
Knowing Theresa was a blessing. She and
Charles Sr. will always be remembered by me as true and devoted friends. Bringing milk to their home (in ancient times) was always such a pleasure. God strengthen and keep you all under his blessed hand.
Don Butler (the milkman)
November 3, 2010
To my brothers and sisters, Florence, Gary, Charles, Terry, John and Kenya - I kept thinking to myself, 'she left us' and then I remembered - each other. She left us each other. Peace, love and unity.
Linda
William (Bernard) & Robin Harris
November 1, 2010
We loved Mrs. Potter and are saddened that she is no longer with us. She was blessed with a full and long life and we are sure that she is with the Lord. We will continue to hold the Potter family in our prayers. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. William (Bernard) & Robin Harris & family.
October 30, 2010
Dear Potter Family,
My prayers are with you as you celebrate both the life and passing of your great mother. I remember her fondly as one of the Huntington Street mothers
Herb Ross
Palm City, Florida
Bill Simons
October 30, 2010
Chuck & Family,
Very sorry for the loss of your Mother. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Bill Simons
Valerie Johnson
October 29, 2010
The Johnson Family wish to extend their condolences to the entire Potter Family..
We will keep you in prayer.
Charles and Latese Williams
October 29, 2010
What a wonderfully pleasant soul Sis. Potter was. Even in her last months of her life, she was always upbeat and never complained. I know that all of you will cherish many beautiful memories. May God give you comfort in this time of loss.
Joyce Davoy
October 29, 2010
To the family,
My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mrs. P will always have a place in my heart and the times she and I shared will never be forgotten.
Clarence Walters
October 29, 2010
My prayers are with you.
James Brown
October 29, 2010
Although I never knew Mrs. Potter personally I have been blessed to know her daughter Dr. Linda Chinn. Obviously, Mrs. Potter was a wonderful woman as she was able to pour love, wisdom and an attitude of determination. I served with Dr. Chinn for a number of years and I consider she and her husband, Michael, to be wonderful friends. Dr. Chinn spoke often of her mother and I feel as though I know her. She will truly be missed and my prayers are truly with the family.
Tracy L. Haggins
October 29, 2010
My prayers of comfort are with you John in your time of need. Be strong!
Frank Florio
October 29, 2010
Terry and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most sorrowful time. Keep the memories alive in your hearts!
Jaye Woolridge-Wilson
October 28, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
John Chumpitazi
October 28, 2010
Potter Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My very heart felt condolences for the passing of your Mom.
God Bless John Chumpitazi
Judy Bingham
October 28, 2010
You are in my prayers. May God ease your sorrows and replace them with sweet memories. Peace be with you.
NIKKIE MORRISON
October 28, 2010
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL DURING THIS TIME OF SADNESS..
Martha Jacques
October 28, 2010
I have nothing profound to say other than I loved Miz T. The smile, always the smile, when she greeted you was something that made you feel good inside and out and that smile never waivered during her illness. She is a woman that I truly admired and will always remember.
I attended her service today at Shiloh and she was sent off in style, grace and with dignity with a full house there for her. Her wishes were carried out and she would be so proud of her family. Love you Miz T.
Cathy Talley
October 28, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Van and Ursula McClary
October 28, 2010
Our prayers and deepest sympathy in the lost of your mom!
October 28, 2010
Cheryl, Mr. Potter, and Collin............Our deepset sympathy to you at this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Let all your memories comfort you at this time. Michelle DeShong, Rich, and Michael
Paulette Faggett
October 28, 2010
To Florence and the Potter Family:
My prayers are with you during this very sad period in your lives. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I will always cherish the laughs we had together. May she rest in peace with our Heavenly Father.
Sandy Guild
October 28, 2010
Terry, My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. My deepest sympathy to all, God Bless Sandy Guild
Janette Walker
October 28, 2010
Flo,
Know that I'm thinking about you and your family at this difficut time.
God Bless.
Rita Greason
October 28, 2010
Dear Terry's Family , i had the pleasure of knowing your mother and bowled with her for many years , she was always very postive and loved her family and God deeply .I cannot begin to express my deepest sympathy to your family at this time
Josephine DaCosta
October 28, 2010
Flow,Gary & Charlie.
I am so sorry to hear the lost of your mother.
My deepest sympathy.
From my family to yours.
Debbie Devona
October 28, 2010
Terry, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are very sorry for your loss. Debbie & Mike
Steve & Renee Sebastian
October 27, 2010
Take Comfort Knowing
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. John 11:25-26
Our prayers and love are with you all.
Kenny Frazelle
October 27, 2010
Today... a special prayer for a family I have known my entire life. My God bless the Potter Family.
Gladys Walker
October 27, 2010
To The Potter Family
Words can not express my deepest sorrow for the loss of your loved one. May God give you the strength to go through this difficult time.
Deborah Davis-de la Cruz
October 27, 2010
Flo, Chuck, Gary and all of the Potter Family, I would like to express my deep and heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your mother. What a good kindhearted women she was. I will be praying for your comfort and will continue to do so. Again my deepest sympathy.
This is one of my favorite poems, it brought me great comfort after the passing of my mother, I hope it will do the same for you...
This world is not conclusion;
A sequel stands beyond,
Invisible, as music,
But positive, as sound
~Emily Dickinson
Stan & Channie Currie
October 27, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rimmy Speedwell
October 27, 2010
To the Potter family our deepest condolences go out to you...words cannot express our sorrow . God bless you all .
Rimmy Speedwell and Trevon Clark
Stanley & Channie Currie
October 27, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Margaret Jackson
October 27, 2010
To the Potter family and my dear friend, Linda, my condolences are being sent to your family. Your mom was one of the sweetest women I had the pleasure to know. She is in no more pain and in the comforting of God. Remember her smile, remember her laugh, remember your Mom for all the things in your life. Always, Margaret (Hyslop) Jackson and family in Virginia Beach, VA.
Reg and Joann Strickland
October 27, 2010
Sorry for your lost Terry and Sylvia. Everyone loves your Mother. It's always nice to meet someone that has a positive impact on the people around them. Your Mother is one of those people. God Bless.
October 27, 2010
kenya ,flo,linda im so sorry for the lost of your mom she was a great lady and the tmes i met her she was so funny...god is with her my prayers and love go out to the whole family.. love you my sisters be strong...monica and casie lithonia,ga
October 27, 2010
Gary;
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God's love comfort you during this time for you and your family. Debbie Sheflott Tray
D'Lena Brooks
October 27, 2010
To my Other Family, the Potter Family (Flo, Gary, Charles Jr., Linda, Terry, John and Kenya).
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am about your Mom's passing. She was a very special person to everyone. She loved all of us as if we were her children also. I will never forget her and how she was there for me.
With much love,
D'Lena, D'Ana and Dakiyah
Marie Murphy
October 27, 2010
Dear Terry, JP and Families,
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. I only met her once but knew right away that she was a very special person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 27, 2010
The Nunn family wishes to extend their deepest sympathy to the Potter family for the loss of their dear mom. We remember her as one of the neighborhood moms of huntington street. God be with you all during your time of sorrow.
October 27, 2010
The Nunn Family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the Potter family in the lost of your dear mom. We remember her well as one of the neighborhood moms. May God be with you during your time of sorrow.
JIM GUERIN
October 27, 2010
TERRY,
MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Jenny Burke
October 27, 2010
Through all of my years traveling to Conn. with my mama Flo, I was privelaged to meet T.T. (Theresa) and she became like family to me. We shared many laughs, good memories and even some deep conversations. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten in my heart and I'm sure by many others. "Love you TT!"
Jenny Burke
Sandi and Jerry Walton
October 27, 2010
Terry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandi and Jerry Walton
Margaret 'Pinky' DeBarros
October 27, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Adriane Jones
October 27, 2010
To The Potter Family - My deepest condolences goes out to your family. May the Lord continue to provide you with strength and understanding at this time in which we feel to be our darkest hour. However, always know GOD is truly in the healing and blessing business. For weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Adriane Robinson Jones
Ronda Burke
October 27, 2010
To the Potter Family,
May you be comforted by your loving memories of your Mom and by knowing that you are being kept in the prayers of many. On behalf of all of us, please accept our sincerest condolences.
Raymond, Millie, Steven, Ronda and Michael Burke
Diane Hall
October 27, 2010
To the Potter Family, So sorry to hear of your loss, the Hall family sends their deepest sympathy.
Jeffrey L. Walker
October 27, 2010
To the Potter family,
May I extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. May she rest in God's peace.
Beth Farbotka
October 27, 2010
Dear Lisa and family,
I want to say how sorry I am here of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all through this diffiucult time.
God Bless
Love Beth
keith lawton sr
October 27, 2010
terry and family i am so sorry for your loss may your mom rest in peace may god be with you all in time of need
"Farewell, Dear Mother"
Somewhere in my heart,
Beneath all of this pain,
Is a smile I still wear...
At the sound of your name.
The precious word is "MOTHER"
She was my world, you see,
But now my heart is breaking,
She's no longer here with me.
God chose her for His angel
To watch me from above,
To guide me and advise me
And know that I'm still loved.
The day she had to leave me,
Her life on earth was through,
But God had better plans for her
For this, I surely knew
When I think of her kind heart
And all those loving years,
Because we're only human,
They're bound to bring us tears.
She truly was my best friend,
Someone I could confide in,
She always had a tender touch,
A soft and gentle grin.
I want to thank you Mother
For teaching me so well,
Even though the time has come,
That I must bid you farewell.
I'll remember all you've taught me
To put God above all others...
For I had no better teacher,
Than you ..... My Dear Mother.
Even though you've left this earth
And had to take your flight,
I know that you are here with me,
Each morning, noon and night.
Donna Frazelle-Foster
October 27, 2010
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Potter family. May God's comfort surround you.
Those we love do not go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear...............
with sympathy,
cheryl cioci lawrence and family
October 27, 2010
To the Potter children and grandchildren: My deepest sympathy to all of you with the loss of your mom and grandmother.
Janis McRae
October 27, 2010
Dearest Family,
Although saddened I will never forget the wonderful feeling I would get everytime I was blessed with being around "Mrs. P". Her spirit was always a happy one, and no one could beat her elegance. May she rest in peace. Love you guys.
Sincerely,
Janis
Gerard and Christy Henderson
October 27, 2010
To the Entire Potter Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Theresa (Gram T) raised such a wonderful family.....keep her spirit alive with all the happy memories of her. With Love and Sympathy....
Dollly Ruff
October 27, 2010
"Caste your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you..." That scripture and the knowledge that God has freed your mother of all pain will help you through your grief. My prayers and thpughts are with you.
Debbie Contillo
October 27, 2010
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are of your Moms passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie and John Contillo
James Fletcher
October 27, 2010
We are very sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you all in your grief. Re 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Donna Bienkowski Smith
October 27, 2010
John, Lisa,and the whole Potter family,
You have our deepest sympathy and prayers as you go through this rough time. God bless.
Donna, Chris, Dylan, Logan, & Ryan
Vernon Mitchell
October 27, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Potter family. Your mom was a beautiful and delightful person. I can not attend the services on Thursday, and I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendell Gaston and Family
October 27, 2010
Terry and Family,
Extending deepest sympathy for you and your Families loss. and hoping, too, That comfort and peace may come to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Martin
October 27, 2010
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Hold on to your memories. They will help you during the difficult days ahead. My prayers goes out to your all. May God continue to comfort you during this time.
Donna Frazelle-Foster
October 27, 2010
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Potter family.May God's comfort surround you.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen,unheard,but always near,
Still loved,still missed and very dear
With sympathy,
katurena cheatam
October 27, 2010
Kenya,
We send our condolences during this hard time.
Trina and Family
Jennifer Carrion
October 27, 2010
Theresa was loved by all and she touched many lives. She will be greatly missed by many people. She is in good hands now and will no longer suffer. We need to celebrate her life and try not to be sad. She will alway's be watching over her loved ones.
Keith & Terri Miller
October 27, 2010
We send our condolences during your time of bereavement.
Keith & Terri Miller
Darryl Frazelle
October 27, 2010
I've known the Potter's all of my life. My heart goes out to you at this time of significant loss. The Huntington Street families have lost another one of our matriarchs, and we stand with you during this time. If you need a friend just call we'll be there. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Tammi Barrows
October 27, 2010
Our deepest condolences to your family during this very hard time. May the Lord carry you during this long journey of healing and know that your mother is watching over you now. Her spirit lives through you all and all of the treasured memories.
Alex, Tammi and the Pia family
Susan Leiper
October 27, 2010
Gary,
My sincerest condolences to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tidge Copp
October 27, 2010
May you find the strength in each other to help get you thru this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, Tidge
Kathy Kiggans/Gooden
October 27, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Debbie Evans
October 27, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
October 27, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Hodge
October 27, 2010
My sincerest condolences go out to the entire Potter Family! May the Lord comfort and keep all of you during this time of separation. Ma's smiles and jokes will truly be missed!
Eileen Monroe
October 27, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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