Hilda Brown Potter

My heart belongs to Jesus Christ,
the Truth, the Life, the Way,
so please don't weep or cry for me,
I'm with the Lord today.

Hilda Brown Potter, daughter of the late Flossie Brown Canaday Jones, was born on March 7, 1932, in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

At an early age, Hilda professed Jesus Christ as her savior, joining Chickahominy Baptist Church. Later, she joined Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Williamsburg and was recognized in 2019 for her many years of service as a Deaconess. Her devotion and love for God and the church ran deep and she worked hard to instill the same sense of love, commitment, and duty into her family and friends.  She remained faithful in attending until her health began to fail, but her love for her church family never wavered. 

She was educated in James City County Public Schools and began working at a young age to help support her family. On March 5, 1950,  Hilda was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Isaac M. Potter.  To this union, eight children were born. They were married for 31 years until his passing in 1981. 

In her later years, Hilda participated in the Adult Skills Program provided through The College of William & Mary, where she was able to further her education. In 1996, she retired from Colonial Williamsburg after 42 years of dedicated service.

After retiring, one of her favorite passions was traveling all over the world, visiting important landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Goree Islands in Senegal. She also visited France, Ghana, Jerusalem, Switzerland, and various other places throughout the world.

Aside from traveling, one of her greatest joys was spending time with her family. She always encouraged everyone to keep God first and seek higher education. If you happened to stop by, you might find her enjoying Bobby Jones Gospel, reading her Bible, or tuned in to the news. As the matriarch of the family, she loved hosting family gatherings and preparing her signature pound cakes and macaroni and cheese for all of her loved ones to enjoy. At “Mama Hilda’s”, you were always sure to get a good word, a good meal, and a good laugh.

On Saturday, November 21, 2020, God called home His Faithful servant, Deaconess Hilda Brown Potter, as she slipped into eternal rest at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Isaac M. Potter, sons, Revered Charles Potter and Ricky Potter, grandson, Charles Potter Jr., great-grandaughter, Liana Potter, and siblings, Thomas Canaday, Robert Canaday, Floyd Canaday, Leroy Canaday, Flossie Banks, and Redell Forrest.

Her legacy of love will forever remain with her sons, Isaac (Phyllis), Willis (Cynthia), Neal, and Glenn; daughters, Rhodalisa Jones (Milton) and Monalisa Potter; daughter-in-law, Marsha Potter; grandchildren, Tara Potter Parks-Bey, Shomaree Potter, Isaac L. Potter Jr., Jason Potter, Da'Mon Bogger, Gary Potter, Keyana Fauntleroy, Nyjia Potter, Alex Minter, and Kailyn Potter; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, John Canaday (Carolyn), Alberta Jones, Leola Coger, Gladys James, Mary Jarin, Janice Canaday, and Patricia Anne Canaday; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held at noon Saturday, November 28, 2020, in Whiting's Chapel. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance with face coverings and social distancing. Facebook Livestream will be available for this service. Mrs. Potter may be viewed from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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