As the second child born to Harold and Martha Hall in Lake Benton, MN, Patti loved ice skating, cheerleading, and “managing” her three brothers. Patti graduated from Lake Benton High School in Lake Benton, MN and enrolled in Pillsbury Baptist Bible College where she met Alan Ladd Potter, eventually joining him in marriage and a life of service in full-time Christian ministry.
Patti married the love of her life, Alan Ladd Potter, on July 25, 1970. Together, they planted several churches; served in leadership at four Christian institutions of higher learning; and raised two children in in a home filled with love. In addition to their children, Patti and Alan impacted thousands of lives in the service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Patti’s love for nature demonstrated itself through the incredible gardens she maintained, and the dogs that shared her time with shovel and trowel. An adventurer at heart, she traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East, though her soul belonged to Ireland. Her house became not just a museum of the many collections that reflected her travels and interests; for the etchings from Prague, Israel, or Quebec City, the Ironstone from England, or the oil lamps from Masada attested to a love of learning and a deep appreciation for the past.
Though a lover of Ireland, antiques, dogs, and gardens, it was her grandchildren that commanded her devotion. With her grandchildren in tow, Patti hosted scores of tea parties; led vibrant shopping trips; biked the Great Appalachian Passageway; kayaked the Great Bear Swamp; participated in adventures to Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, and Quebec City among many others; and shared her wisdom and passion for plants, dogs, collecting anything, Irish music, Blue Grass, and Jesus. In the end, they became not just her raving fans, they became her legacy—a legacy of a life well lived in commitment to her loving husband, family, and her Redeemer.
Patti is survived by her husband, Alan Potter; her children Andrew Potter (Sandy) and Rebecca Esterman (Adam); her grandchildren Emily Potter, Lauren Potter, Jacob Esterman, and Isabella Esterman; her mother Martha Hall; her brothers Michael Hall (Judy Anne), William Hall (Marla), and Richard Hall (Dale); and her loyal West Highland Terrier Freddie. Patti was preceded in death by her father Harold Hall and her grandparents.
Patti will be laid to rest at the Raleigh Memorial Park at a private service on May 9. All friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life Service at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary on May 9 at 2:00pm, officiated by Pastor Stephen Davey. A short reception will follow.
In lieu of sending flowers, Patti and Alan have asked that a donation be made to the Shepherds Theological Seminary Annual Fund, to enable and help prepare young men, women, and families to serve in full-time ministry. Donations can be made at https://friends.shepherds.edu/give-now/ selecting “Annual Fund”, or checks can be sent to the address below denoting “Patricia Potter Memorial” in the note section of the check: Office of Advancement, Shepherds Theological Seminary, 6051 Tryon Road, Cary, North Carolina 27518
