Obituary of Zelma Shores Potter

Zelma Shores Potter 80, of Todd, went home to be with her Savior that she loved all her life on Wednesday, November 4th at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation in Boone following a 10 year battle with Alzheimers. Zelma was born July 21, 1935 in the Tamarack community to Richard and Myrtle Shores. In addition to being a wife and mother, she worked at Shadowline, Blue Ridge Shoe, Carrolls Leather Goods and Ribbon Textiles. Sweet Zelma was a beautiful lady and all who knew her could see that her life was centered on her Lord and Savior. She loved to sing gospel songs and attended many churches, always taking car loads of neighbors and children to church. Through her prayers and faith, many people were led to the Lord. Zelma loved family and friends, always welcoming everyone into her home. She always made sure they were served a home cooked meal from her kitchen. She loved visiting friends in hospitals and nursing homes, gardening and raising beautiful flowers. When she became ill, Zelma moved to Deerfield Assisted Living where she sang to calm the residents with sun downers. Even in her struggles with the disease, God used her to encourage others suffering with Alzheimers through her songs. Mrs. Potter is survived by her children, Mary Keplar and husband, Randy, of Boone, Jerry Potter and wife, Treva, of Holden Beach, Betty Hodges and husband, R.D. of Boone and Harold Potter of Mountain City; daughter-in-law, Thersia Potter of Todd; grandchildren, Rebecca Price of Boone, Ervin Potter of Todd, Alexus Potter of Todd, Chris Harmon of Banner Elk, Jason Harmon of Winston-Salem, Tanner Hodges and wife Beth and Elizabeth Hodges, all of Newport News, Va., and Ruby Hodges of Moscow, Idaho, Shaun Farthing and wife Cindy of Boone, Kathy Weaver and husband, Jim, of West Jefferson, and Teanna Setzer of Boone; great-grandchildren, Judson, Tate, Julia and Marie Hodges, Braydon Price, Logan Harmon, Chris and Brad Farthing, Robert Ward and Amber Hodges; and two sisters, Geneva Shelton of Vilas and Reba Potter of Sugar Grove. A number of special nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Potter; son, Gary Wayne Whitey Potter; two sisters, Mary Snyder and Mandy Brown; brother, James Shelton; and son-in-law, Bob Farthing. Funeral services for Zelma Potter will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 7th, at 1 oclock, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Kenneth Phipps and Rev. Herbert McCoy. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:30 until 1 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow in the Potter-Main Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28607. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Mary in activities, Alade, Jason, Linda, Speedy, Carrie, Debbie, all the nurses, aides and staff at Glenbridge, Deerfield Ridge, and Caldwell County Hospice. Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Potter family.