Sheryl "Sherry" Ann Potter's Obituary
Sheryl "Sherry" Ann Potter, age 85, of Centerville, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at Centerville Specialty Care with her husband by her side.
Sherry was born on June 27, 1940 in Fruita, Colorado, the daughter of Clarence and Helen (Page) Swanson. She graduated from Fruita High School and continued her education at Western State College in Colorado earning her Bachelor's degree in education. She was a special education teacher in Dove Creek, Colorado for many years.
She was united in marriage to Johnny Potter on August 16, 1981. Sherry found great joy in retirement, embracing each day with purpose, creativity, and love. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she cherished attending church in Centerville, where her presence and spirit were deeply felt.
Through music, she shared her heart with others, playing the piano and singing with a beauty that reflected her gentle soul. A true artist, Sherry was always immersed in a craft or creative project, finding happiness in making things by hand and sharing them with those she loved. Creativity was not just a hobby for her, but a way of expressing care, thoughtfulness, and joy.
Sherry never met a stranger. A natural social butterfly, she had an extraordinary ability to make friends wherever she went. She put others before herself, offering kindness, encouragement, and friendship freely and without expectation. Above all, Sherry loved her family with her whole heart. Her devotion, warmth, and selfless love will forever remain in the lives of those who were blessed to know her.
Those left to cherish Sherry's memory are her husband, Johnny Potter; her children, Kathryn (John) Brown, Jill Redwine and Jeff Byers; her grandchildren, Ashley Ellis, Britney Sheffield, Nicholas Byers, Tyler Brown, and Zachary Byers; ten great grandchildren; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen Swanson; and her sisters, Phyllis Parish and Joyce Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, January 23, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Burial will follow the service at Hilltown Cemetery in Moulton, Iowa. Memorials have been established to the Cincinnati Fire Department, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Potter Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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