Obituary of Welsh Potts

PITTSBORO - Born April 18, 1925, Lula Welsh Davidson was the middle child of G.D. and Bernice Shannon Davidson in Wadesboro, NC (Anson). Along with the brothers Donnell and Shannon, she attended Wadesboro High School where she was an accomplished pianist as well as a member of student government. Matriculating at Women's College (UNCG), she received an A.B. in Chemistry, graduation in 1947, at which time she moved to Charlotte to begin work as a lab tech at Memorial Hospital. At a small gathering at brother Don's home in the summer of 1949, she met Farrel Potts, a recent UNC graduate, now working at Herald Press with Don. She and Farrel began dating, driving her car since Farrel could not yet afford one, attending football games at Carolina, and enjoying a new circle of friends that they would cherish from then on. They married October 21, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where they would remain involved members until moving to Atlanta in 1982. Like so many in the expansion of the 1950's, the Potts family began to grow at regular two-year intervals, welcoming Lin, David and Jeff from 1953-57. With the arrival of the boys, Welshie devoted the coming years to full-time homemaking, cooking, carpooling, sports practices, and music lessons while staying involved in church and school activities. Farrel's transfer to Atlanta was seen less as an ordeal than an opportunity, as they enjoyed building a new home and making new friends. They joined Trinity Presbyterian Church and with an empty nest, Welshie was able to invest more time in church work and hobbies, such as cooking, cooking classes, needle work, and gardening. In retirement, Welshie and Farrel opened a window on the world, traveling extensively in Europe, as well as South America, New Zealand, Australia and Israel. It was an activity they continued to enjoy after moving to Fearrington Village in 1996, once again making a new home and many new and good friends, who remain close today. Farrel and the boys remain, along with grandsons Stephen G. Potts, Ethan J. Potts and five great-grandchildren. Welshie will be missed. Her quick mind, ready wit and compassionate curiosity drew friends wherever she was. These friends often received a card or note in remembrance of an event shared, a kindness given, or sympathy for a loss, as is the proper manner. Manners were important to her. As closely as she held these friends, she held her family closer. This middle child was the center of this family, working tirelessly in a time of social turbulence to hold them together and make their lives better. Her strengths belied her petite stature. Her optimistic faith and love are more gifts for which we are all grateful. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, at 2:00 pm, in Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge in Pittsboro. Memorial contributions may be sent to: The Farrel and Welshie Potts Memorial Fund, The United Way of Chatham County, P.O. Bow 1066, Pittsboro, NC 27312; Fearrington Village Carolina Club Scholarship Fund, c/o Steve Johnson, Treasurer, 498 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312, or charity of one's choice. Arrangements for Mrs. Potts are under the care of Walker's Funeral Service & Cremation of Chapel Hill, NC.