Joellen “Joey” Arlene Potter of Great Falls, MT passed away on July 21, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 27, 2022, at the Westside United Methodist Church, 726 Central Avenue West, Great Falls.
Joellen was born to Edna and Elliott Trump on January 18, 1941, in Billings, MT, joining her sister and life-long best friend Jackie. They grew up and attended school around Winnett, MT. While attending high school in Winnett, she caught sight of a handsome underclassman named Frank Potter, knowing right away she would marry him.
After graduating, they were wed and moved to attend Northern Montana College in Havre. In Havre, Joellen received a degree in Elementary Education and Frank a degree in Diesel Technology. During their schooling they welcomed their first child, David. After finishing their degrees, they moved to Great Falls where they were blessed with two more sons, Raymond and Daniel.
Joey taught second grade for 18 years in Ulm, MT. She always loved children, and after being a mother, teaching was always her life's passion. She took so much gratification and happiness from being a teacher. Following her retirement, Joey and Frank traveled extensively by motorhome, plane and ship, visiting all fifty states and many countries all over the world. While she enjoyed their many adventures, Joey’s heart was always at home with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They brought her so much joy. She loved them with countless letters sent, desserts baked, holidays hosted, pajamas gifted, quilts sewn, and milestones celebrated. She was quick with something encouraging to say, and anything you needed she would find a way to help.
Joey felt so blessed by God for her life. The hard times were never allowed to shadow her profound and ever- present gratefulness. There are not enough words to describe the incredible kindness she treated people with. Those of us who knew her were strongly influenced by her generosity of spirit and deep selfless love. The world seems a sadder place without her, though if she were here, she would remind us of how truly blessed we are. She was gratified in the life she lived and us that miss her must endure with a thankful heart and appreciation for the wonderful gift Joellen Potter was to us.
Joey was preceded in death by husband, Frank Potter; mother, Edna Trump; father, Elliott Trump; sister, Judy; and brother, Jimmy.
She is survived by sons, David (Roberta), Raymond (Tammy), and Daniel (Kelly); sister, Jackie Whisonant (Joe); and many well-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Westside Methodist Church. Arrangements are in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home.
