Christine Susan Potter

Christine Susan (Atkisson) Potter passed away on Tuesday, the 10th of November 2020 in Houston, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A determined fighter until the very end, she left this life peacefully in the loving care of her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.

Christine was born in Eugene, Oregon on the 24th of May 1951, but she was destined to be a California girl. In 1953, her family moved to Southern California, where Christine made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories at the beach, in the backyard pool, and riding her horse Slim. A shy, precocious child, she proudly won the 3rd grade spelling bee with the word "memorandum." She blossomed into a beautiful young adult, serving as the Sophomore Vice President and a Homecoming Princess.

In 1969 her father was called to Houston as a founding professor at the University of Texas School for Public Health. Always up for an adventure, Christine followed and attended the University of Houston, graduating in 1974 with a degree in education. It was during this time that Christine met her husband, precipitating a move to Louisiana where she perfected her gumbo recipe. From there she was off to London, England for a years’ long expatriate stint, which sowed the opportunity for unforgettable world travel, cultural escapades, and the ultimate souvenir--the birth of a baby girl.

Moving home to Houston in 1981, Christine continued what would become one of her great legacies, a career teaching first and fifth grade for 37 years, much of which was spent in Klein ISD at Greenwood Forest Elementary and Frank Elementary, where she created magical and memorable experiences for her thousands of students. A quintessential over achiever, her impact spread beyond the classroom as a winning author of two national teaching grants and five Klein ISD technology grants. She became a fixture on the annual grant award bus and somehow found the time and boundless energy to serve as a site director for an after-school program, Campus Kids, extending beyond her retirement from teaching in 2015.

Christine devoted a substantial amount of her time and talents to volunteering. She spent seven years on a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee (ironically, considering her penchant for getting lost, on the "Directions and Assistance" committee). She spent six years in the National Charity League, volunteering alongside her daughter. Ever the activist with a passion for beautification, she spent many years in various roles, including ultimately president of her neighborhood homeowner’s association. Many will remember Christine hard at work in her yard, infamously pushing that lawn mower week after week, year after year. Her dedication and green thumb culminated in many "Yard of the Month" honors, none of which meant more to her than the November 2020 award.

Christine exuded positivity and determined resilience in everything she pursued. She found joy in nature, art, her many family pets, a healthy debate, abundant friendships, and above all her fierce love for her daughter and immense pride in her darling grandsons. She was a prolific reader and scary movie aficionado. She will be remembered for her statuesque beauty, strength, style, playful (and at times mischievous) sense of humor, creativity, and her generous heart. She was always a dreamer, still dreaming at 69. Above all else, she was the most devoted and loving mother and very best "Boo."

Christine is preceded in death by her parents and eldest brother Noel. She is survived by her daughter Kristyn and her son-in-law Martin, along with their two boys Henry and Robert Hayes. She is also survived by her sisters Beth and Penelope, half-brother Eric, and stepmother Jean.

The immediate family will gather for a private inurment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston. In the spring when it is safe to do so, her daughter and son-in-law will host a celebration of life honoring Christine. In the interim you may opt to receive updated service information by selecting the "Receive Notifications" icon below.

In lieu of customary remembrances and for those desiring, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed in Christine's name to the MD Anderson Moon Shots Program 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 and Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030.

The family is forever grateful for the impeccable care given by Dr. Bob Wolff, the countless heroic nurses, Edris, and Dee.