She was born in Mobile on September 12, 1935 to the late Albert Curtis Wilkerson and Mary Emma Sullivan Wilkerson.
Mary served as the first City Clerk of the City of Saraland from 1962 to 1991, when she retired to travel the U.S. in her Airstream with her late husband of 45 years, Marion Ray Potter. After his passing, she traveled the world internationally and pulled her Airstream herself all across the U.S. She volunteered many hours with her church, where she was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Satsuma.
Over the years in her role as City Clerk, she started Saraland’s first Christmas parade, was instrumental in starting the beginnings of the Cleveland House (the Little Red Barn) for special needs individuals, and was a member of many boards and agencies that helped shape the city that we know today, one being the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Saraland.
She is survived by her three daughters: Robin Potter Lambert (Dale), Donna Potter Elmore (Steve) and Jackie Potter Davis (Ronald); five grandchildren: Jessica Elmore Neff (Jeremy), Jonathan Elmore, Jacob Lambert, Jared Davis, and Parker Davis; two great- grandchildren: Raeli Neff and William Neff and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Elijah Lambert and all six of her siblings.
Pallbearers will be Jared Davis, Jonathan Elmore, Jacob Lambert, Jeremy Neff, Dillon Jones, and Danny Wilkerson. Honorary pallbearer will be William Neff.
A visitation will be held at 9:30 am,Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Radney’s Funeral Home, located at 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church
of Satsuma.
While our hearts are broken and we will deeply miss her, we rejoice in knowing that for the faithful child of God, death is not the end. Mary has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We trust that she is now at peace in His presence, free from pain and held in the eternal love of her Savior. Her journey on earth has come to an end, but her legacy of love and faith will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15 (KJV)
