A time to be born: Willie Mae Reed Potts, was born to the late Willie Reed and Settie Woods Reed on April 18, 1930 in Belzoni, MS. She departed this earthly life at home on June 27, 2026 at 8:54 AM.
A time to live: She was united in holy matrimony to the late Joel Charles Potts, Sr and to this union six children was born. She moved to Gulfport, MS in the early 40's and resided in Soria City where she untied with Mercy Seat Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. P.D. House. She later moved to the North Gulfport Community where she joined Shiloh Baptist Church and remained faithful until her health would not allow her to attend services. Sister Potts served in many capacities, which included: Senior Mission, Matron of Junior Mission Auxiliary, NBC/BTU, Sunday School, Mid-week Bible Study, Joyful Workers Club & the Food Committee. She was a mother figure to many and a faithful servant and prayer warrior. It is highly evident that Sister Potts will be dearly missed by all who knew and gladly received by those who went home before her.
She was employed with the Gulfport School District for over 25 years as a Food Service Manager. In her early years, she was a kindergarten teacher at Knox Kindergarten, where she taught most of the children whose parents taught at North Gulfport High School. After retirement she volunteer at Memorial Hospital with TWIGGS, and was a volunteer with Harrison County Senior Companion Program for many years.
One of the founding members of the Gazette Social Club and The Lady Bugs. A former of the National Council of Negro Women working with Dorothy Heights and Youtha Lee Keys on the development of Forrest Heights Community. A member of the Heroin of Jericho Soria City Court #108, also the Eastern Stars.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Earthy Reed, sister Yvonne Reed King, son-in laws, Jerome Clemons, Purvis L. McBride, Jr, brother-in laws. Grover (Pete) King, Joseph Robert Sr. and other aunts and uncles.
A time remembrance: Her strong faith and precious memories will forever be remembered by her four daughters, Linda (Colon) Hull, Patricia Clemons, Jacqueline McBride, Annganette (Neal ) Loper and two sons, Joel (Dawn) Potts, Jr., Jerome (Sheree) Potts and her only surviving sibling Dorothy Reed Robert; sister-in-law; Della Potts: one granddaughter, Latonya McCoy and eleven grandsons; twenty-one great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special nieces and nephew; Clinton & Robin Simon, Donna Potts Griggs, Valerie Hill, Alesia Hoffman, Lydia Evans, Natalie White and Lionel Charles. Bonus children: Howard (Pat) Potts, God-children: Rev. Dr. Clarence (Debra) Matson, Sandra Carter, Carolyn Hall and Alma Lewis.