Patricia Potter, former Carson City educator and chair of the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Board of Trustees, dies

Patricia Potter, former Carson City educator and former chair of the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Board of Trustees, died at her Carson City home at 4:40 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010. She was 80.

"I was saddened to learn of Pat's passing," said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"She was a good teacher and a good friend to many Nevadans," Reid added.

"Pat was a strong advocate for change and fought for a better Nevada as chair of the Carson City Democratic Central Committee. My thoughts go out to Pat's family and friends during this difficult time," Reid stated.
She was born Patricia Ann Radcliff in Hapeville, Ga. on Sep 17, 1929, to Vincent and Mable Brock Radcliff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steve, and his wife Ann.
She received her bachelor's degree in education from Georgia State College for Women in 1951 after which she taught in school districts across rural Appalachia until she accepted a position on the staff of Sen. Richard B. Russell, D-Ga., in Washington, D.C. There, she met her future husband, Robert Joseph Potter who had been serving on the staff of Sen. Alan Bible, D-Nev. On July 27, 1957, they married in Carrollton, Ga. The couple moved to Carson City in 1959 where they raised their family.

On Sept. 1, 1968, Ms. Potter began her 25 years of service for the Carson City School District. She taught at Bordewich-Bray Elementary from 1968 to 1974, then transferred to Carson Middle School from which she retired in 1993. She received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1981.

She was elected to the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1992. In 1992, she served as chairwoman.

Throughout her life she was a community leader involved in numerous civic and political organizations. She joined the John C. Fremont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1972 in order to advocate inclusion of African Americans. She became chair of the DAR chapter's committee on conservation. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts of America, president of the American Red Cross Gray Ladies ('61-'62) and president of the St. Teresa of Avila Parent-Teacher Association. She served on the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission as a member and chairwoman for many years. She was a longtime member of the Nevada State Education Association and the National Education Association.

Ms. Potter served as elected chair of the Carson City Democratic Central Committee from 1972 to 1974. She acted as northern Nevada chair for the Commission on Party Structure and Delegate Selection, which reviewed the proposed 1972 Democratic National Convention (DNC) reforms. Better known as the McGovern reforms, the measures were proposed in 1968 and went into effect for the 1972 presidential nominating convention. She was one of two Nevadans seated on the 1972 Democratic National Convention Rules Committee. The other was Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, D-Nev. In addition to 1972, Ms. Potter served as a delegate to the 2000 Democratic national convention. Throughout her adult life she was a tireless advocate for the rights and advancement of women as well as continuously pursuing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Pat Potter was honored and recognized for her accomplishments and contributions from various organizations including Soroptimist International which in 1982 honored her for her work in effectively advancing the status of women. The American Biographical Institute named to her to Notable Americans of the Bicentennial 1976. In 1977, the Nevada Department of Education presented her with a Certificate of Recognition for distinguished service to education. In 1980, she was initiated into Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional honorary society of women educators.

She is survived by her partner Timothy Bissell, children Robert Lee (Eileen), E. Julian "Betsy" (Mirian), Christina Bryan and Thomas Brock; her grandchildren Kacey, Alexander, Nicholas, Anna and Katryna Potter.

At the request of Ms. Potter, no services will be held. Remembrances and condolences may be sent to 1555 Kings Canyon Rd, Carson City NV 89703-5301 or via e-mail to Rob Potter rlpotter@charter.net. The family may be contacted at (775) 434-9377.

Anyone wishing to publish their remembrances may send them to Andrew Barbano barbano@frontpage.reno.nv.us. They will be permanently posted with Ms. Potter's formal obituary and photo accessible through the front page of NevadaLabor.com. There is no charge.

— Submitted by Andrew Barbano