Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Pettitt Potter, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Born to William Major Pettitt and Lillian Mae Miller Pettitt on July 21, 1929, she was a native of Hampton, Virginia and lived her entire life on Claremont Avenue in Olde Wythe. Jackie attended Hampton High School where she played on the women’s basketball team and graduated in 1946.
After attending Madison College (James Madison University), she married the love of her life, Charlie Potter, who had returned from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They raised three children, and then Jackie continued to show her love of children through teaching. She was a substitute teacher for Hampton City Schools and a preschool teacher at several private schools including Emmanuel Lutheran where she retired as Principal.
Jackie volunteered at Sentara Hospital for over 25 years and was active in serving the community. She was honored as Hampton’s longest continuous election officer with over 52 years working the voting polls.
Jackie and Charlie shared a love of square dancing in multiple groups across Hampton Roads.
Jackie accepted Jesus as her savior at a young age and was a lifelong member of several churches including Ivy Memorial Baptist and Hampton Roads Baptist where she and Charlie sang together in the choir. Most recently, she attended Coastal Church- Hampton, and as its eldest member, she enjoyed seeing the spiritual life return to a familiar church home.
Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles K. Potter Jr.; son, David Bruce Potter; brother, William Major Pettitt Jr.; and son-in-law, Richard Dale Pleasants. She is survived by her daughter, Gail Potter Pleasants; son, Ralph Nelson Potter and his wife, Lisa; granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Potter; and many other beloved relatives and close friends. She had three special “adopted children”, Clyde “Bubba” Williams, Brenda Carpenter Ryan, and Dean Majette, who spent countless hours in her home.
Jackie loved all animals, especially cats. Her latest kitty, Babes, was a true companion and one of her greatest joys. And as promised… The reason our mom owned a chainsaw! As a very talented and determined lady, Jackie self-contracted the build of her own home late in her 60s. She bought a chainsaw to cut down her own trees in the backyard. After holding their breaths during every use, David and Ralph did eventually retire the chainsaw.
Jackie had a wonderful, long life filled with too many friends to try and count. Special thanks are given to Juliana, Gloria, and Jackie, who led a loving care team of ladies who made it possible for Jackie to spend her final days at home with her family.
A visitation will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2 p.m., followed by the burial at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will follow at Coastal Church- Hampton at 4:30 p.m.
Donations may be made in Jackie’s honor to these organizations very close to her family’s hearts, or the charity of your choice: Coastal Church- Hampton, 347 Hampton Roads Ave, Hampton, VA 23661; The V Foundation for Cancer Research, https://donate.v.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.
7 Comments
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Jackie Potter. Our love and prayers are with you. Mrs. Potter was a dear friend of our Mothers, Anita McKinley and Alma Fernald, at Hampton Roads Baptist Church. We all loved Mrs. Potter so much. We have so many wonderful memories of her at HRBC. May God bring your family comfort and peace. Much Love, Judy and Tom Fernald
Aunt Jackie gave so many memories to me. Michael and I stopped to see when we visited her at home. We also met Babe…her dearly beloved kitty that she spoke of so frequently.
We had many long conversations over the years, and beautifully written letters…Aunt Jackie had the most beautiful hand writing.
My Mother, Elizabeth (Strickland) Harris, was Uncle Charlie’s sister, and Aunt Jackie always had a fond remembrance to share with me along with some wonderful recipe she was cooking. She would bring me up to date on her children’s lives as well as her beloved Granddaughter, Jennifer.
Aunt Jackie will be missed and loved.
Rest in Christ – May your sprit carry on in those that you have touched along the way. I can still see that Smile. Love your Sentara Grandchild.
Miss Jackie was a joy to be around and her love for Jesus always showed. I visited her many times at church in the hospital, in the rehab center and at home. She always had a smile on her face. She was always at church when she could come even later in a wheel chair. I hope when my time comes, I have joy and a smile until the end. You will be deeply missed my sister and my friend. Love, Kevin.
I send my condolences to the Potter family and her loving friends. I have known Mrs Jackie for a short time and she stole my heart. She was a very sweet and always kind. I will miss my time with her and will think of her often. May she rest in the greatest peace.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength in God’s promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
Dear Gail,
Today (03/23/’26) I put Jackie’s name in google. I’ve been thinking and wondering about Jackie for several months now. Familial promptings! I was surprised when Obit came up. She just passed in February ’26. Wow! 96 years old! I can’t believe it. What a wonderful life she had. Jackie was my mother’s cousin. My mother was Evelyn Miller Burkin. Working on family history stories, I found a picture of me sitting on Aunt Lillie’s porch on Claremont Avenue. The date was July 1960. I was 15. Now 81. Gail, we only knew each other briefly. Sending condolences and love to distant family. Hoping you are well. Lovingly, Lynn Van Landschoot