Evangeline Potter

Evangeline B. Potter, affectionately known as “Vangy,” passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at the blessed age of 99. She was born on February 18, 1927, in Sumter, South Carolina,to the late Rev. William H. Brown and Mrs. Lillian H. Brown.

Evangeline grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, and later made Columbus, Ohio, her home for most of her life. She was the beloved wife of the late William M. Potter, whom she met when both were students at historically black Kentucky State College now known as Kentucky State University. Together they shared a life rooted in faith, family, service, and devotion. To their union, four children were born: Sarah, Nancy, Whitney, and David. Evangeline and William were partners not only in marriage, but also in purpose. Together, they started Beneficial Acceptance Corporation, with a mission to help African Americans obtain homes in the neighborhoods of their choice. Their work reflected a shared commitment to dignity, opportunity, community, and helping others. 

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Evangeline was a longtime member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where she worshiped faithfully for approximately 75 years. She served in the choir and
loved to sing, sharing her voice and her faith with others. Her trust in the Lord guided her life, and she often reminded others to “trust God and wait.” Her faith was not only spoken, but lived
through her patience, kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. Evangeline was known for her wise and thoughtful spirit. She was resilient, positive, patient, loving, and supportive. She had a way of listening that made people feel heard, accepted, and cared for. Her warmth extended far beyond her immediate family, reaching nieces, nephews, church family, neighbors, friends, and devoted caregivers. She showed love by always being there, offering encouragement, and supporting those around her with empathy and grace. She found joy in simple, meaningful things: talking with friends and relatives on the phone, spending time with her grandchildren, singing, enjoying ice cream and cookies, and sharing familiar sayings and traditions that will forever remind her family of her. She often greeted people with a smile and said “have a seat, stay a week, have a chair, stay a “yair” and said goodbye by saying “see you later alligator.”

Evangeline taught her children and grandchildren the importance of love, acceptance, patience, faith, and perseverance. Her family will miss her presence most of all, the comfort of knowing she was there, the sound of her voice, her listening ear, her love, and her support.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Sarah Locke (Ernest Locke), Nancy Collier-Smith (William), and David Potter (Cora); her grandchildren, Kamau Collier, Amanda Locke, Christopher Potter, Aaron Potter, Allen Potter; her great-grandchildren, Kyler Collier, Isaiah Potter, Evelynn Potter, Maeleah Potter; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, neighbors, and friends, including devoted family members Kevin Brown, Jackie Brown, Yvonne Fields, Louise Augustine, Gary Bannister, Theresa Potter, the Clifton, Jackson, and Abban families, Pat Collins, and Gloria Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William M. Potter; her son, William Whitney Potter, her parents, Rev. William H. Brown and Mrs. Lillian H. Brown; and her siblings, including Roberta, Ralph, James, Gertrude, Marie, Lillian, Arthur, William, Clarice, and John.

Evangeline lived up to the meaning of her name, exemplifying Christ’s acceptance of all. Her life was a testimony of faith, wisdom, love, humor, and endurance. She trusted in the Lord, kept the
Faith, and never gave up. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and loved her.

Home-Going Services 12PM Thursday, July 2, 2026 at St Phillips Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  Family will receive friends 11AM until time of service at Noon. Interment, Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave.

Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio; 614-444-1463

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