Deacon Edward Randolph Potter

Edward R. Potter, also known as “Popeye and Sonny”, was born on Thursday, July 2, 1931, to Lillian Potter and Charles Webb, Sr., in Easton, Maryland. He passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Edward was educated in Talbot County school system and graduated from Robert Russa Moton High School, Class of 1948. Edward Potter served in the United States Army from 1952–1954. After serving in the Army, he began his work as a brick mason for C & R Antonini. He worked as an apprentice, graduated from Brick Mason School, and became a foreman. In 1996, Edward retired from C & R Antonini, after 42 years. Upon retiring, he worked part time for Harper and Sons in Easton, Maryland. In that capacity, he worked on the renovation team at Easton Middle School, Tilghman Elementary School, Talbot County YMCA and Chesapeake College. At an early age, Edward Potter accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of Union Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Lindsay Crudup. He was an active, devoted and faithful member and worked tirelessly for the Lord. Edward served as a Sunday School teacher and on the Trustee Board. He became an ordained Deacon on January 7, 1962, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Serenus T. Churn, Sr. He served in that capacity for 57 years. Within his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board. Edward also served as a member of the Progressive Baptist Association and was the Chairman of the Deacon’s Union for 10 years. Edward enjoyed the preached Word, as well as, praying, studying and applying the Word of God to his daily life. His favorite hymn was Love Lifted Me and favorite scripture was Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Edward was a member of the NAACP and the Talbot County Christian Men’s Alliance and he also volunteered at the Neighborhood Service Center on Dover Street, under Mrs. Dorothy Black. Edward was united in holy matrimony on July 21, 1952, to Cecelia A. Jenkins, whom he affectionately called “Kitty”. Together, they had nine children; six sons and three daughters. In this loving family, they farmed, worked together, attended church together and laughed often. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian P. & Ralph Roberts and Charles Webb, Sr.; three brothers, Douglass, David and Charles Webb, Jr.; and a sister, Cecilia Freeman. Edward leaves to cherish his memories and maintain his legacy, a loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Cecelia A.; nine children, Leroy (Gloria) and Craige (Gloria) of Newport News, VA, Ralph(Rose), Robert (Sylvia), Lillian (Ronnie Arnold, Sr.) of Columbia, SC, Richard (Ulandia), and Cecelia D. of Austin, TX, Michael(Hardenia) and Elizabeth of Easton; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Genevie Kennedy, Althea Reynolds and Terry Robinson (Allen); two brothers, Dean (Ida) and Donald Webb; five sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; his close spiritual friend, Rev. Clarence Savoy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Deacon Edward Randolph Potter

July 2, 1931 - June 3, 2020