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Traci Louise Potter, 52, of Elizabethton, Tenn., departed this world for her heavenly home July 6, 2024. 

Born December 19, 1971 at Carter County Memorial Hospital, Traci was the daughter of Jason and Mary (White) Russell. She was one of seven children and lived most of her life in the Valley Forge community. She attended Valley Forge Elementary, later obtained her GED, and worked for the Carter County School System and at Big Lots for 25+ years. 

As a young lady, Traci met Mark Potter, and she quickly became the love of his life and very best friend. The two married June 28, 1986 and spent 38 wonderful years together. They had two children, Jonathan Potter and Christina Covington.  

Preceded in death by both parents and one sibling, John Russell, Traci leaves behind many loved ones to carry on her legacy and treasure her memory. Those include her husband; Mark Potter; son; Jonathan (Nikki) Potter; daughter; Christina (Justin) Covington; siblings, Jason (Stacey) Russell, Steve (Rose) Russell, Tony (Barb) Russell, Tina (Lynn) Grindstaff and Judy (Eddie) Watson; seven grandchildren, Arionna, Lexi, Jayden and Jaxon Potter and Destiny, Serenity and Jaci Covington; and several special nieces and nephews. 

Affectionately known as “Tray” to family and friends, Traci was a fixture in the Hampton and Valley Forge communities. To know her was to love her and she lit up any room with her beautiful smile. She was the first person to give or help, whether it be family, friend, or stranger. She enjoyed collecting jewelry, spending time with siblings, painting, and playing Bingo, but she was most often found in the bleachers at her grandchildren’s ballgames, where she loved and cheered on every child. As a member of the Christian faith, Traci loved without judgment, was the most devoted wife, mother, and Nana, and will be remembered most for her kind, thoughtful, gentle, and selfless heart.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Friday, July 12, 224 at Heartland Fellowship Church with Pastor Marvin Slagle officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. with a service to follow from 7 to 8 p.m. with guest speaker, Mark Watson. The family would like to give a special thank you to Carter County EMS and paramedic workers Eric Shepard, April, Andrya and Brian for their efforts and compassion in Traci’s final moments. 

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the family.