“We are born, we procreate, and the next generation is born to us and to our children and our children’s children, and we finally fade from existence having fulfilled our role. Some people will be remembered for many generations for what they gave to the world, for their goodness, or their gifts of intelligence that improved our world or helped us to understand it. Most of us will be just a footnote in the passing of time.
I refuse to be a footnote. I gave the world two daughters who have given me and the world three beautiful children. If God is good, they will pass on to the next generation what I have to mine. Beauty, intelligence, music, creativity, and most of all love and goodness. They all have kind and loving hearts and generous spirits. A gift from their grandmother and grandfather to their mothers who have passed it to them. How lucky my life has been. How lucky your lives have been. How spectacular your children’s lives will be because of you and me.
I refuse to be a footnote. I gave you life and love and tools to become who you are today. Thank you for making me proud to be your mother”—from Gayle Potter’s journal.
Although Gayle Ann Potter, 71, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO, she will not be a footnote. A chef, seamstress, singer, florist, gardener, writer, fisherman, Gram, mother, sister, Christmas decorating queen (she made Martha Stewart look like an amateur), and philosopher, Gayle’s passion for life, family, friends, and laughter was infectious. She was a force of nature that fought to the very end with an unparalleled level of strength that was awe-inspiring, miraculous, and made her family proud.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11 am in Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 pm at Peachtree on Nifong Blvd.
Gayle was born on January 26, 1947, in Columbia, MO, the daughter of Raymond and Juanita (Kaump) Coats who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Hickman High School and attended the University of Missouri. She was married on October 16, 1970, in Columbia, MO, to Cordes L. Potter who preceded her in death on March 25, 2016. Her daughters and Cord were the center of her world. Until her three grandchildren came along. She loved them fiercely, and we know that she will protect them just as fiercely from above.
Survivors include: two daughters, Robyn Goodman (Brett) of Gainesville, FL and Samantha Potter of Columbia, MO; three grandchildren, Avery and Reese Goodman and Braden Grathwohl; two sisters, Caryn Fenton (David) of Columbia, MO and Christie Peyton of Cherry Hill, NJ and one brother, David Coats (Teina) of O’Fallon, MO. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Dana Coats.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gayle A Potter Scholarship Fund, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.
