Katherine “Katie ” G. Potter, 70, died Sunday, October 28 in her room at HearthStone Health Center in Round Rock, TX from complications related to Cancer.
She leaves behind her daughter, Suzzana “Suki” George of Austin, TX and two sisters, Sharon Chambers of Mena, AR and Lisa Stumpf of Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Richard “Dick” Potter in 2010.
Born in Honolulu, HI August, 19, 1948 where her father was stationed during his Air Force service, Katie spent her early years traveling with her parents during her father's 33 year military career until 1967 when she left home to join the U.S. Navy.
As a Navy dental technician stationed in San Diego, CA she met and married her first husband William “Bill” R. George. She spent 4 years proudly serving her country as a WAVE until March 1971 when she had to retire due to her pregnancy with daughter, Suzzana George.
With her husband Bill, also a dental technician in the Navy, they followed the Navy’s transfer orders living briefly in Jacksonville, NC and Pensacola, FL. While living in Pensacola, Katie worked as a legal assistant for 15 years, but inevitably felt the calling of serving her country, this time as a Civilian in the Navy’s Personnel Support Detachment. After her marriage ended to Bill in 1978, she enjoyed her role as a single mother to Suzzana and supporting her daughter’s activities with gymnastics, chorus, and cross country.
In 1988, Katie moved to Milton, FL for her position as Personnel Supervisor at Milton’s Whiting Field Personnel Support Detachment. Katie gave back to her local community as a member of Milton’s local Kiwanis Club from 1990 to 1992, where she met her second husband, Dick Potter. In March 1992, the two married and subsequently enjoyed traveling the country after she retired in 1993.
Always an artist at heart, Katie found happiness in her retired years painting gourds for friends, family, and sometimes for profit through her business ‘Out of my Gourd.’ Her gourds were featured in the Better Homes and Gardens issue of Floral & Nature Crafts In January 1995. During her retired years, she also volunteered at the Santa Rosa Medical Center gift shop from the early 1990s to 2016.
Katie is well known among friends and family for her beautiful smile, sweet nature, and giving heart. She left a lasting impression on anyone she met. Her loss will surely be felt.
A private memorial service attended by her family members will be at the National Cemetery in Houston, TX, where she will join her parents in repose.
In lieu of flowers, Katie requested donations be made to Santa Rosa Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Program In Memory of Katie Potter, 6002 Berryhill Road, Milton, FL. 32570
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Katherine “Katie ” G. Potter