Esther Mae Potts

Esther Mae Ragsdale Potts was born December 12, 1938 in Maury County, the daughter of the late Jessie and Bessie Kelley Ragsdale. Esther was the beloved wife of R.L. Potts whom she married on July 9, 1955.

Esther was a graduate of Santa Fe High School and for many years worked as a bookkeeper for Columbia Construction and W.M. White Construction companies. Esther was a dedicated member of the Santa Fe Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for more than 30 years. She and R.L. enjoyed singing together over the years. She was a wonderful devoted wife for her husband who preached the Gospel for over three decades in Santa Fe and East Tennessee. Esther was very artistic and could sketch just about anything and enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking and many other arts and crafts. She was an avid bowler and she and R.L. bowled in a league for a number of years. They also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and anything in nature. She was a very talented and patient woman. Esther was a wonderful and devoted mother and irreplaceable grandmother who touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Survivors in addition to her dear husband include their son, Terry L. (Donna) Potts of Jefferson City, TN; grandchildren, Laura (Jordan) Culp of Knoxville, Chris (fiancée Courtney) Potts of Knoxville Daniel Potts of Brooklyn, NY and a step-daughter, Lynette Payne of Jefferson city, TN; her brothers and sisters, Kenny (Linda) Ragsdale of Summertown, Cindy (Tom) Floyd, Sheila (William) Kuner, both of Gadsden, AL, Omie Potts of Santa Fe, Iris Kelley of Lewisburg and Cathy Wray of Cornersville along with two honorary daughters, Regina Conley and Anne Logan. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by Frank Ragsdale, Narvie McCandless, James Ragsdale, Truman Ragsdale, Marie Sclafani and Doug Ragsdale.

Esther passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday morning; September 8 surrounded by her loved ones.

Funeral services for Esther will be conducted Monday at 10:00 A.M. at the Santa Fe Baptist church with Rev. Jack Taylor and Rev. Don Emmette officiating. Burial will follow in the Santa Fe Cemetery.

The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the church.

Pallbearers will be Joey Potts, Jordan Culp, Jerry Potts, Brian George, Cody George, Chris Potts, Daniel Potts, Jason Potts and Laura Potts. Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Ruth Ragsdale, Brenda Potts, Kim and Gary Willis, Becky Schultz, Bonnie McCandless, Sheila Kuner, Cheryl Wray, Edna Potts, Kerrie Potts, Linda Potts, Ray Potts, Naomi Kelley and Billy Potts.

Esther’s family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers of Caris Healthcare and Dr. Doug Kennedy.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Santa Fe Cemetery, c/o Norman Harris.

Condolences may be sent to the family at williamsfh.com.