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.