Billie Catherine Potts, 101, of Penn Yan passed away at Penn Yan Manor nursing home on Saturday, December 24, 2022. After 48 years apart, she was reunited with her husband, William N. Potts, just in time to enjoy her favorite holiday together. Billie was born on August 5, 1921, in Paw Paw, Mich. She graduated in the class of 1939 from Fremont High School, Oakland, Calif. Billie married her husband William in 1947. Billie’s husband owned the Photographic Center in Penn Yan, where she worked part- time. The rest of her time was spent as a homemaker. She took great pride in raising her three boys.
Billie had many hobbies some of which included ceramic arts, shopping, fine jewelry, and dining out. She could often be found at her dinner outings with the girls at the Red Rooster. She would gladly bypass any meal for a cocktail (Southern Comfort old-fashioned!) and then skip straight to dessert and coffee. She was always the last one eating as she slowly savored every bite and the conversation with loved ones. Billie enjoyed traveling to California to visit her sisters over the years. Family was very important to Billie and she was always surrounded by them. After her husband’s passing in 1974, she continued to spend her time with family and friends at their home on East Lake Road. Her home was a source of many fond memories over the years. Even at 101 years old, Billie still had her great sense of humor and wit. She was a gentle and kind soul, easily adored by anyone she encountered.
Billie is loved and will be dearly missed by her three three sons, James Potts of Syracuse, N.Y., Allen (Vicki Lewis) Potts of Penn Yan, and Steven Potts of Rochester, N.Y.; grandchildren Gregory (Allie) Campo, Michael (Kristen) Potts, Kimberly (Dale) Perry, Morgan Potts, Jacob (Denise) Potts, Mitchell Potts, Riley Potts; great-grandchildren Colton Potts, Josephine Perry, Alfie Campo, Charles Perry, and Greyson Potts. Billie was predeceased by her husband, William N. Potts; parents Charles and Mabel Allen; and sisters Joan Warner and Dorothy West. The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to anyone who helped care for Billie during her 10 years at Penn Yan Manor. You all held a special place in her heart, and we are forever indebted to you for your passionate care. Friends were invited to call on Saturday, January 7 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Penn Yan First Baptist Church, 224 Main Street, Penn Yan.
A memorial service followed at 12 p.m. A private burial will occur in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Yates County Humane Society, 1216 Route 14-A, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527. (or online at www.yateshumane.org/donate). A remembrance or condolence to the family may be left in her obituary at WeldonFuneralHome.com.