The Virginian-Pilot, (Norfolk, VA) November 7, 2006

CHESAPEAKE - Mary Elizabeth Hudson Potter, 68, passed away peacefully Nov. 6, 2006. She was born in Portsmouth in 1938, the daughter of the late Richard and Thelma Hudson.

Mary is survived by her husband, William Leroy Potter Sr.; her children, Debra Jean Wilkins, William L. Potter Jr. and his wife Michelle, Belinda Ann Foster and her husband Patrick, and Darin Alan Potter; seven grandchildren, Kristy, Lydia, Jessica, Justus, Christopher, Brett and Jared; and her brothers, Richard Edward Hudson Jr. and his wife Peggy, Walter Ray Hudson and his wife Shirley, Donald Allen Hudson and his wife Joan and William Earl Hudson and his wife Mary. A brother, Robert Carl Hudson, preceded her in death.

Mary and her husband Bill spent the earlier part of their 48 years of marriage relocating their residence many times to suit the navy way of life before settling in Chesapeake. Mary loved her family immeasurably and always enjoyed their company. She was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren and much loved conversing and spending time with them all. Mary was close to her mother, the late Thelma Hudson, as they spent much time together in travel or just out running errands together enjoying the day. Mary and Bill maintained a closeness with her siblings as they also spent countless holidays, family gatherings and weekend road trips together sharing much laughter and joy in their endeavors. Our hearts are torn and will miss a truly wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister and great friend as we know her soul is with our Lord in the kingdom of heaven.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Nelson Fields. Cremation will follow the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias, 2601 Willard Road, Suite 103, Richmond, VA 23294.