Velda Potts

Velda May (Sparks) Potts, 82, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020 and was reunited with the love of her life, John, who preceded her to heaven seven months ago. John and Velda experienced a lifetime of love and adventure during their 60 years of marriage. They lived and traveled to many places, but always found home with family and friends to be what they valued most. Velda was born on the family farm outside Sandy Hook, Kentucky and later attended Berea College where her adventures with John commenced. Velda and her family required John to win them over which even included his wading the flooded creek to get to her home for his first time visit to meet Velda’s family. Of course, John later learned that there was a walk bridge that would have kept him dry! She still decided that for his efforts, she would keep him both in life and now in heaven.

Velda was the rock for her family and friends. She was proud that she used her skills and education in the workplace for many years at the Huntington Bank in Columbus, where she started as a bank teller and retired as a VP-Benefits. She provided stability and a common-sense approach to those around her; although her sharp wit and humor was well noted and experienced by many. More than anything Velda walked hand in hand with Jesus each day with her faith and her willingness to always put others before herself. She loved the many family reunions at the farm and cherished her time with family and friends above all else. She was an active volunteer especially when it involved serving others. She lived an extraordinary life filled with faith, love, and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband John David Potts and by her parents, Kenneth Sparks and Virgie (Slone) Sparks.  Velda is survived by her sister, Melvina Sparks Johnson. Velda cherished her children for following the values she and John instilled in them. She is survived by her children Tawnya Darlington (Rick Stover) of Dayton, Ohio; Deidre Kuck (Todd) and Judd Potts (Erin), all of Worthington, Ohio; and her grandchildren, Chelsea Darlington Umphrey (Andrew), David Darlington (Cristen), Gracyn Potts, Tyler Kuck, Delaney Kuck and Slone Potts. Velda and John also were blessed with three great grandchildren, Davin, Sienna, and Elet Darlington. Velda is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will hold a private viewing at Shaw Davis Funeral Home on May 15, 2020 with a memorial service to be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the loving care that Velda received from the Ohio Living Westminster Thurber Community, Comfort Keepers and the Bethel IUMC community.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Potts Memorial Fund at the Bethel International United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43220 (www.mybethel.org).