Mrs. Katherine Dale Potts

Mrs. Katherine Bishop Dale Potts, age 98, of Shelbyville, passed away September 6, 2022. Katherine was born on June 15, 1924, in Davidson County, Tennessee. She was a descendant of the five pioneer families who explored Middle Tennessee and established Fort Nashboro, which would later become Nashville. She was designated a member of the First Families of Tennessee as well as the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the Shelby Chapter for more than 40 years. As an infant and the youngest of six sisters, Katherine’s mother moved the family to Hillsboro Village in Nashville after the death of her father, a successful dairy farmer. Katherine attended West End High School and, in 1946, graduated from Vanderbilt University where she was awarded the honor of the Lady of the Bracelet in recognition of her service and leadership. As education was very important to the family, each of Katherine’s five older sisters also attended Vanderbilt. Katherine first met her late husband, distinguished WWII veteran James Ivan Potts Jr., on a blind date. They were married on October 21, 1949, in Wightman Chapel at Scarritt College, and settled in Shelbyville where they became active in their community. Katherine served as Executive Secretary to the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration for many years, and she was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville. Her staunch support for and involvement in her church circle, as well as her supportive and valuable role as wife of a prominent civic leader, guaranteed that all who came in contact with her realized the value of this genteel lady. Katherine was a dear wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend who shall be greatly missed. She was at once a gracious lady of the first order and a zealous advocate for her friends and family. She is survived by her son, James Ivan Potts III, his wife Susan Cooper Potts, their daughters Elizabeth Ann and Sarah Katherine, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children, including: sister-in-law, Carol Todd Potts; nieces, Mary Dale (John) Fitzgerald, Gigi (Al) Potts Daniel, Mary Lindsay Spearman; nephews, Hal Potts, Don Gray; grand-nieces, Katherine Fitzgerald (Chris) Murphy, Kate Daniel; grand-nephews, David (Alberta) Fitzgerald, Trey Daniel; great grand-nephews, Jack Murphy, William Murphy; and great grand-nieces, Lexie Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald. The family wishes to thank the staff of Celebration Way Assisted Living for their devoted care. All are invited to gather with the family for the graveside service and interment, to be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, the 9th of September, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at Riverbend Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Katherine’s name be directed toward offerings to pediatric cancer charities, The Webb School, and the First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.

Mrs. Katherine Dale Potts

June 15, 1924 - September 6, 2022