Virginia Ernestyne Potts

Virginia E. Potts was born in Taylortown NC in Moore County May 22,1934 to Lacy and Mable Rush.  She had 2 younger sisters Angeline and Vicki.  She passed away  peacefully, December 31, 2019.  Ernestyne as she was known, was a woman who loved her family, God, what was “right and just” and community.  

Ernestyne graduated High School form Academy Heights School in Taylortown, NC and went to North Carolina College of Durham (now named North Carolina Central University) and graduated in 1955, majoring in English and a minor in Library Science.  She earned a Master of Library Science Degree at Rutgers University in 1963.

She was involved in many civic and social organizations over the years including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc., Les Gemmes Inc.,  The Links Inc., Syracuse Girls Club Board, Syracuse Symphony Guild Board, Friends of the Developmentally Disabled, Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School PTO, Upstate Auxiliary Board, Urban League,  Syracuse University Women’s Club Board, United Way Campaign, Jack and Jill Club of America, Human Rights Commission, The Discovery Center of Science and Technology Board, Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, the New York State Citizens Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Central New York Community Foundation Child Care Project, the New York Library Association (NYLA), Central New York Reading Council, Librarian’s Unlimited and the SUNY Librarians Association.

She leaves to cherish fond memories; her husband of 59 years, James Potts, three children; Rodney Potts (Ruby), Regina Potts, and Kimberly Forde (Jeff).  Her sister Vicki Long, her sister Angeline Palmer preceded in death. Six grandchildren; Nyah Eden (Taylor), Taylor Potts, Morgan Potts, Jacoby Potts Jordan Potts, and Daniel Forde.  One great grandchild (Elias).  Several Brother and Sisters In Law- Gerald Potts, Bettie Jean Potts, Ronald Potts, and Cathy (Charles) Moore.  Several nieces, nephews and cousins. There were also a few caregivers that provided compassionate care to Ernestyne as her health declined; Christine Talley (Nashville), Sondrea Patterson (God-daughter), Tisha Stowe (God-daughter).    

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