Ella Gay McCurdy Potter, 85, of Lexington, Virginia, died Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

She was born December 14, 1927 in Rockbridge Baths, the daughter of the late William McElee McCurdy and Josephine Tolley McCurdy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles A. Potter Sr. and her brother Joseph William McCurdy.

Ella Gay was a pillar of her community. It would be easier to list the organizations that she was not involved in, but she touched so many lives with her love and grace that it would be an injustice to do so.

She was the founding leader of the Buffalo Pioneer 4-H Club. She owned and operated Fabrics Unlimited for 5 years and lovingly made and hemmed clothes for her family and costumes for her grandchildren.

Ella Gay worked at the News-Gazette for 18 years. She was a member of the Lexington BPW. She was an American Red Cross volunteer for 11 years. She was a member of Collierstown Presbyterian Church for 77 years.

Her faith made her a leader and mentor to others, while she served on the Shenandoah Presbyterian Nominating Committee, the Manly Memorial Joy Group, The Community Bible Study, Collierstown Lunch Bunch, CPC's representative to the Maury River Mission Community and the Collierstown Presbyterian Choir.

She carried her ministry with her as she made cakes, cookies and breads and delivered them to homebound and sick community members and friends. Ella Gay shared her faith and love of the Lord by inviting friends to church and taking children to Sunday School.

She is survived by her two sons, Charles A. Potter Jr. and wife, Joan, and Steve Potter and wife, Martha; two daughters, Gaylea Goodbar and husband, Geoff, and Lisa Ann Hartless and husband, Greg; nine grandchildren, Marnie P. and Seth Caldwell, Susanne P. and Bert O'Neal, Charles and Rosalea Potter, Christopher and Kasey Potter, Ross Potter, Will and Ashley Hartless, Kathryn Hartless, Bradley Goodbar and Carter Goodbar; six great-grandchildren, Kelsie and Josie Caldwell, Drew and Chase Potter and Addie Gray and Louise O'Neal.

A funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Skip Hastings officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Effinger Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary 2824 Collierstown Road, Lexington VA 24450 or Collierstown Presbyterian Church Kitchen Fund, 31 Church Dr., Lexington VA 24450.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.

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