Dorothy Jones Potter, 89 of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Monday, November 25, 2013.
Dorothy defined the practice of unconditional love with her generosity and acceptance. She lived her life selflessly, providing constant support and care to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and step children. She never failed to express her love, pride, and curiosity in her family members to foster their growth.
Dorothy was born on June 7, 1924 in Detroit, MI to the late Raymond B. and Elsie B. (Mayer) Harrison. She married Robert L. Jones in 1946, with this loving union raised three children. Robert preceded her in death in 1973. Several years later she moved from Plymouth Michigan to Traverse City, having spent many years vacationing at the family's Glen Lake home. She met and married Jerry L. Potter in 1980. He preceded her death in 1985.
Dorothy graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit and attended both Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. Dorothy was an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. She was a member of the Railroad Historical Society of NW Michigan.
Surviving Dorothy are her children, David Lawrence (Shirley Li) Jones, Barbara Jones (Geoff) Smith, Jacqueline Jeanne (Peter Turchyn) Jones, grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Pilz, Bryan (Lise-Anne Beyries) Smith, Meghan (David) Brown, Andrew (Caroline) Jones, Caitlin (Sam Robinson) Smith, Laura Jones, Riley (Nikii Grist) Jones, great grandchildren, Megan, Owen, Griffin, Lily, Nelson, Judah, Aaron, Kaley, her stepchildren Nancy (Blair Miller) Potter, Mike and Kathy Potter, Matt and Meredith Potter .
Dorothy will be remembered by her loving family and friends through her dedication to loved ones and her enthusiasm for travel, trains, musical theater, bands, parades, gift giving, eating sweets, knowing her ancestry, being informed, devotion to daily scripture readings, and her independence. The world is a better place for having known her.
A memorial service will be held for Dorothy on Friday at 1pm December 13 at the Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Church of Christian Science Traverse City, The Women's Resource Center Traverse City or the Railroad Historical Society of NW Michigan.