MADERA - On October 21st, 2024, Doris Potter passed away surrounded by her loving family at 91 years of age. Heaven not only received the kindest of souls, but God also called home a wife, a mother, an “Nana”, and a beacon of light to all whom she came across. Everyone lucky enough to enjoy her company felt her charisma, gentleness, compassion, and warmth.

A native to Madera, Doris was born December 28th, 1932, to Jake & Connie Jacobson. Growing up in a rural country, she loved riding horses and helping her father work on cars.

She attended the original Lincoln Grammar School and Madera Union High School soon after. By her junior year, she became sweethearts with her one true love, Leon, and four years later, they married on July 18th, 1953- a wonderful marriage that stood the test of time for 71 years.

Doris was active in the Madera Methodist Church on Sunset and was an original congregation member. She served many roles within the church over the years—she was an active member of the church choir, a Sunday School teacher, and a youth group leader. She also worked with the United Methodist Women and created crafts for the annual Craft Boutique during the holiday season.

Doris loved to travel throughout her life. She and Leon enjoyed trips worldwide and stateside to visit dear friends. When her children were growing up, there would always be annual summer vacations, and once Leon retired, they enjoyed cruises with family and friends.

Doris was also an avid and talented baker, seamstress, and crocheter who enjoyed games. She used to host friends for Bunco Night and was versed in Checkers and various board games she would play with friends, especially her grandchildren.

With a lifelong focus on family, Doris was a homemaker who truly made her home open to all and a place of comfort. She is survived by her loving husband Leon, her children Debbie Valencia, David Potter, Diana Burdine, Doug & Margaret Potter as well as her grandchildren who fondly knew her as “Nana”- Charise & Cody Bromley, Josh Burdine & Cassandra Watson, Nathan & Stephanie Perez, Aaron & Ashley Perez, Danyel & Mark Bissett, Jenna Valencia, and Marco & Michele Valencia. Doris also blessed nine great-grandchildren with her love and care.

There are no words to truly express how special she was and what she has meant to so many—thanks be to God for a soul that made the earth a better place and for the blessings received by those fortunate enough to have known this remarkable woman.

Doris's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 15th, at 11:00 AM at the Madera United Methodist Church, 500 Sunset Ave., Madera, CA.