Wilma M. Potter

Wilma Marie (Verhelst) Potter, 96, of Sheboygan, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. Wilma was born on November 3, 1926, in the Town of Holland, to Adrian and Nellie (Lokker) Verhelst. She attended Jefferson School in the Town of Holland and Oostburg High School. The Verhelst family moved to Sheboygan in 1943, and Wilma transferred to North High School, where she graduated in 1944.

On July 1, 1950, Wilma was united in marriage to Raymond Potter in the parsonage of First Christian Reformed Church, Sheboygan. They were married for over 67 years, when Raymond passed in 2018. Wilma was a devoted mother, raising two daughters prior to entering the work force in 1974. She worked at JC Penney for over 15 years.

Devout in her Christian faith, Wilma was a dedicated servant at Sheboygan Christian School, First Christian Reformed Church, and Hope Reformed Church. Through the years, she belonged to numerous Bible study and church/school service groups. Wilma was also a Sheboygan Memorial Hospital volunteer for almost 20 years.

Wilma enjoyed baking and crafts, especially counted cross-stitch. She loved doing crossword puzzles with her husband, making jigsaw puzzles, and playing Royal Rummy, Scrabble, and Words With Friends with her family. For many years, Wilma walked daily, usually with her dear friend, Jean. She loved to walk along the beach in the country with her family as well.

Wilma is survived by her two daughters, Brenda Rae of Beverly Hills, CA, and Claire Nell, of Sheboygan; a sister-in-law, Susan Lecky of Dallas, TX; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, all of her siblings (5 sisters and 5 brothers), and her son-in-law, Michael Sandler.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Ballhorn Chapels. Rev. Bill TeWinkle, pastor of Hope Church, will officiate. A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will take place at the Gardens of Peace Mausoleum.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at Shores of Sheboygan and Sharon Richardson Hospice, who cared for Wilma as her dementia progressed. Their patience and compassionate care was a comfort to the family. Sincere gratitude is extended to Ryan, Annie, Haylee, and especially Stacy Hopp, who frequently visited Wilma in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Wilma’s name for A Million Dreamz, a nonprofit childcare center, located in Sheboygan.