Donna Sue Potter, 68, of Somers, N.Y., died Saturday, April 9, 2022 at her home.
She was born March 19, 1954 in Lexington, Virginia, the daughter of Emory Montgomery Potter Sr. and Bessie Greever Potter.
She was a graduate of Lexington High School, class of 1972.
She received a bachelor of science degree in food business from Virginia Tech and a master of business administration from the University of Kentucky.
Upon graduation from Virginia Tech in 1976, Donna was hired by Gunst Corporation to manage seven food shops located in office buildings in Richmond. After several years she sought employment with the Richmond Hyatt to gain experience with a larger corporation. She worked at the Grand Hyatt in New York City and the Lexington, KY Hyatt, associated with Rupp Arena.
After completing her MBA at the University of Kentucky she was hired as a marketing rep with IBM in Lexington, KY. She played a major role on the Marketing team that was awarded the computer systems contract for the University of Kentucky's Medical Center. Her work with IBM took her to Atlanta, Ga., and to Somers, N.Y. She retired in 2018 as program director, Global Initiatives, Sales and Distribution at IBM.
Donna was a member of the Collierstown Presbyterian Church and kept close ties with her home church. She was a 4-H member and a Virginia 4-H All Star. She credits much of her success in business to the training she received in 4-H particularly in public speaking and leadership skills.
Donna loved to travel globally, visiting Canada, the Caribbean, China, Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, Russia, France, Italy, and Germany.
She enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles and sightseeing often taking her niece and two nephews on trips from Atlanta to New York.
She is survived by two siblings: her sister, Deborah Potter McCormick and husband, Reese, of Lexington and her brother, Emory "Monty" Potter, Jr. of Kent, Wash.; a niece, Rebecca McCormick Weiderman and husband, Isaac, of Chillicothe, Ohio; nephew, David Reese McCormick wife, Martha, and great-niece, Catherine Ruth McCormick of Lexington, and nephew, Stephen Emory McCormick of Fairfield.
A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, April 25 at 11 a.m. at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Skip Hastings and Pastor Carl Pattison. A private burial service for family and close friends will be held at the Collierstown Presbyterian Cemetery prior to the memorial service. A time of visitation with the family and fellowship will follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Collierstown Presbyterian Church play structure project, 31 Church Drive, Lexington, VA 24450.
Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
