Mary Potts
Mary Elizabeth (Mercer) Potts of Salesville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Mary was born on January 29, 1944 in Zanesville, Ohio to Cecil and Rachel (Pletcher) Mercer. She graduated from Maysville High School in 1962. She met her future husband, Donald “Luke” Potts, while working in Akron. They were married on February 6, 1965. They started their life together farming and raising beef cattle. Mary attended college in Zanesville for a Bachelor’s Degree in education and then earned a Master’s Degree at Ohio University.
She began teaching 6th grade at Senecaville Elementary in 1967. She also taught kindergarten at Lore City and Buffalo. She continued teaching kindergarten at Brook Elementary until her retirement in 1998. She missed teaching and working with children so she came out of retirement to teach at Holy Trinity and Community Christian School.
She was a member and Sunday School teacher of the Four Mile Hill Church. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Lore City and Secretary of the Senecaville Alumni Association for several years.
Mary was a gentle soul. She loved teaching and helping students. She touched so many lives in the 35 years as an educator. She was a strong Christian woman with a deep faith. Mary treated others with the utmost respect, consideration, and kindness. She never complained, no matter how difficult life could be at times. She will be greatly missed by so many who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Donald “Luke” Potts; her son, Joe Potts; her daughter-in-law, Sherri Potts; and brothers Jim Bradley and Roger Pletcher.
She is survived by her children, Eddie Potts, John (Sonja) Potts, Jason Isom, and Susan (Bill) Saintenoy; daughter-in-law, Diane Potts; sisters, Betty (Roy) Sinift, Cindy (Marvin) Miller, and Robin (Bud) Brooks; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday (February 3, 2026) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Senecaville. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Perry Baranich officiating.
Burial will be at Senecaville Cemetery.
The family would like to thank all of the people who helped Mom through these last several years. We would especially like to thank Enclave and Hospice of Guernsey for the extra love and support she received.
Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com
