Reverend Potter, Jr.

Reverend John Henry Potter, Jr. was born on September 19, 1934, in Ennis, Texas to his parents, John H. Potter, Sr. and Nina Perkins Potter. He was the first of ten born in the family. He had five brothers, James, Roy, Thomas, Ronnie, Kenneth and four sisters, Ruby, Evelyn, Mary and Willie. He received his formal education by graduating from George Washington High School in 1953 in Ennis, Texas. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving his country, John was stationed in San Diego, California and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged. He furthered his education by attending the University of Southern Colorado taking a variety of courses in Technology. He transferred to Pueblo Community College where he earned an Associates of Arts and Science Degree in Machine Technology. Continuing to pursue higher learning, John enrolled in Trinity College Seminary located in Newburgh, Indiana to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Theology; this was an online class taken in 1966. He needed only twenty hours to earn his degree. In 1955, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. It was during this time he met and later married the love of life, the former Annie Ellen Johnson. To this union, three children born, Elaine born on May 30, 1959, and twins, Jeanette Ann Potter and Jeffery Earl Potter born on April 30, 1969. John was a loving and devoted husband and father who took great pride and joy in the care and nurture of his family. He believed in the pursuit of a high education and he encouraged his children to always excel academically. He was later blessed with seven grandchildren, Lane, Lydell, J'Shawn, Hannah, Jay Patrick, Ashley and Scott who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him "PaPa" and fondly remember all the happy and memorable moments they all shared together. Annie preceded him in death in 1973. John later married Betty Hayes and relocated to Dallas, Texas to be close to his family. This marriage was later dissolved and Betty moved to Memphis, Tennessee taking Elaine, Jeanette and Jeffery with her. She eventually relocated to Pueblo, Colorado. In 1981, Betty developed a brain tumor and suffered a stroke. John relocated to Pueblo in 1981 and was committed to caring for Betty and taking care of his children. While attending worship services at Bethlehem Baptist Church, John met Ruth Pugh, they both were single parents raising children. Their relationship blossomed and now Herbert, Alvin, Horace, Kennedy, Teresa, Linda and Patti were now added to the family. The family now complete they all shared many happy and precious moments together. By profession, John was no stranger to hard work. He was employed at the Salt Water River Project in Arizona, Glitsth Corporation in Dallas, Texas as a Supervisor from 1973-1980, A.H. Gunter as a Supervisor in Ennis, Texas from 1980-1981 He took courses at the Mesa Community College and Maricopa Community College to increase his skill level as a Machinist. He was also employed by Hydro Technical in Pueblo West. John was hard working and dedicated. He always performed his duties with precision and accuracy. He worked until his health began to decline due to diabetes. A man of faith and belief, John has always maintained as strong belief in the Lord. He was a man who would never allow any situation or circumstances deter his faith. He always wanted to become better not bitter. John was a faithful and dedicated member of Bethlehem Baptist Church serving under the pastoral leadership of Reverend F.L. Chandler. He served his church and Lord as a Deacon. He later united with Eight Street Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend J. L. Morrison and their he also served as a Deacon. Being led by a Higher Calling, John accepted his call to the ministry. His faith and belief in God ever strong and unwavering, he wanted to spread the gospel to all mankind. On his birthday, September 19, 1993, he was ordained to the Gospel of Ministry at the Eighth Street Baptist Church, now Reverend John H. Potter, Jr. was officially in the ministry as a Servant Leader. He willingly accepted and lived up to his charge until his passing. Reverend John H. Potter, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on June 16, 2015, in Pueblo, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his children, Elaine Cannon (Brian Stuart), twins, Jeffrey E. (Melba) Potter and Jeanette Potter (Shawn Vanduvall) all of Pueblo; 5 brothers, James Potter, Roy Lee (Rene) Potter, Kenneth (Emma) Potter all of Ennis, TX, Thomas R. (Betty) Potter, Dallas, TX and Rev. Ronnie (Marilynn) Potter, Itasca, TX; 4 sisters, Ruby Mae Dozier, Dallas, TX, Evelyn Jo (R.J.) Bates, Mary Lee English and Willie Faye Dotson all of Ennis, TX; 7 grandchildren; extended family include, Herbert & Freda Pugh, Horace & Karen Pugh all of Denver, Alvin Pugh of New York, Kennedy Pugh, Teresa Pugh Patti Pugh all of Pueblo; 7 step-grandchildren; 1 great step grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends. Well done… Reverend John H. Potter, Jr. take your rest; we all loved you but God loves you best.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 7/2/2015 at 10:00 AM - Bethlehem Baptist Church - 1044 Spruce St. Pueblo , CO
Service: 7/2/2015 at 12:00 PM - Bethlehem Baptist Church - 1044 Spruce St. Pueblo, CO
Cemetery: 7/2/2015 - Imperial Memorial Gardens - 5450 CO-78 Pueblo , CO