John Edward Poteat

On June 19, 2023, Mr. John Edward Poteat went peacefully into his eternal resting place at the Sovah Health Hospital in Danville, Virginia. He was born on January 27, 1950 in Blanch, North Carolina to the late Mr. Lester Levi Poteat and the late Mrs. Addie Mae Wilkerson Poteat. In 1971, John graduated from Caswell County High School. 

Immediately after graduating from high school, he worked at Hanover Mills in Yanceyville, North Carolina for a brief period. He later found work at the Blue Ridge Fiberboard (formerly known as U.S. Gypsum) in Danville, Virginia; where he retired from in 2016. He also worked in his community as a lawn-service technician in his spare time.

At an early age, John gave his life to Christ and joined the Hamer Baptist Church, where he later served as a percussionist for all choirs and remained until his death for the Hamer Male Chorus. Additionally, Mr. Poteat played for the Macedonia AME Church in Milton, North Carolina. He enjoyed teaching and encouraging family members to partake in his musical talent.

John was married to the former Jo Angel Carter Poteat of Charlotte, North Carolina; and through this union they had one son; Jerrold E. Poteat, and became a stepfather to daughter, Corinica (Missy) Carter. In 1990, he married Elder Dr. Wanda Kay Saunders and became a stepfather to daughter Keisha N. Cosby.

John Poteat was a very dependable and quiet-spirited person; whose kindness, caring, and devotion will always be remembered among his family, friends, and church. When he referred to his friends, he would always reply, “He’s a good’un” with a smile and enjoyed the saying “happy as a mule eating briars.” 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of the home, Elder Dr. Wanda Saunders Poteat; one son, Jerrold Poteat, of Charlotte, NC; two stepdaughters, Keisha N. Cosby of Gibsonville, NC & Corinica Carter of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Anna “Dee” Poteat & Mary Thaxton (Marcella) of Blanch, NC; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren,a host of nieces, nephews, brother-in laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Edward Poteat, please visit our floral store.