Janette Whitesides

Janette Whitesides, 47, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on September 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 1, 1978 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Helen Whitesides and Jerome Potter Sr. Janette grew up in Lafayette, Indiana, where she spent most of her life before later moving to East Lake Nursing Home in Elkhart. She attended Jefferson High School and later earned her GED. With a caring heart and passion for helping others, she pursued nursing studies at Ivy Tech College and was a stellar student until she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early twenties. Always a hard worker, she sought employment as a telemarketer and at Wabash National Corporation. Known for her vibrant spirit, Janette loved spending time with her friends, listening to 90's R&B music, playing Bingo, creating arts and crafts, and getting her nails done – her favorite color was blue. She found joy in the simple things in life, such as watching her favorite TV shows – The Family Feud with Steve Harvey, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. She also took delight in eating her favorite foods – White Castle, cheeseburgers with extra onions, tacos, and a Dairy Queen Butterfinger blizzard. Despite her health challenges, Janette remained resilient and continued to always smile. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents – Booker and Letha Whitesides; stepfather – Clarence "Junie" Lee IV; aunt – Mary Whitesides; uncles – Charlie Whitesides, Earl Whitesides, and Gilbert Whitesides; paternal grandmother – Catherine Potter; paternal aunts – Donna Potter and Virginia "Baby Sis" Potter; paternal uncle – Kenneth Potter; and sister – Carlotta "Neavette" Potter. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved children – Jalil Whitesides of Lafayette, Indiana, and Zeus Bush of Elkhart, Indiana; her precious grandchildren – Jayciona Whitesides, Amiyah Whitesides, Janiyah Whitesides, and Jay'len Bush. She is also survived by her mother – Helen Lee of Terre Haute, Indiana and father – Jerome Potter Sr. of Carmel, Indiana; her sisters – Edith Whitesides (Ronald Roberts Jr.) of Terre Haute, Indiana, Marilyn Potter (Edward Curry, Sr.) of Elkhart, Indiana, and Tara Henson of Bloomington, Indiana; brothers – Dominique Potter of Terre Haute, Indiana and Jerome Potter Jr. of Terre Haute, Indiana. She will be dearly missed by a host of nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Though Janette's earthly journey has come to an end, her warmth, laughter and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her strength in the face of adversity and her ability to find joy in everyday life will forever be remembered as her lasting gift to her family and friends. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm at Samaritan Funeral Home, with a funeral service beginning at 1 pm. Online condolences can be made at www.samaritanfunerals.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janette Whitesides, please visit our floral store.