Obituaries

Joan C. Potter (née Duke) of Huntley, Illinois departed this life at the age of 90 on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was the second of three daughters born to her loving parents, Clarence and Anna Mae Duke (née McBride), of Watonga, Oklahoma, on March 20, 1934. In 1953, she attended Langston College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where She was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Joan married Lawrence E. Parker of McCloud, Oklahoma in May of 1953. Between 1954 and 1961, they welcomed three sons: Lawrence A. Parker, Michael L. Parker, and Stanley P. Parker. The family relocated to Joliet, IL, in 1962.

In June of 1974, Joan went on to marry Andrew S. Potter, a retired Sergeant First Class of the U.S. Army. In 1975, they welcomed one son, Adrian S. Potter. They resided in Davenport, Iowa, for many years until Andrew’s death in 1995.

After 32 years of service, Joan retired in 1987 from a rewarding career with the U.S. Department of the Army, where she was employed as an International Logistics Consultant at the Ammunition Procurement and Supply Agency (APSA) in Elwood, Illinois, as well as at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois. As a part of her work, she traveled the world and received several acknowledgments for her expertise and contributions in the sale of weapon systems and ammunition. Joan’s most favorite locations to travel included Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and England.

Throughout her life, Joan embraced her role as a loving mother and wife, nurturing her family with kindness, strength, and unwavering support. She valued her long-standing membership at Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia, Illinois and was deeply committed to its community. She will especially be remembered for her large Thanksgiving gatherings, her extensive collection of picture albums, and competitive nature when it came to playing Scrabble.

Joan is survived by her children: Lawrence A. Parker (Belinda) of Sugar Grove, IL, Michael L. Parker (Angelique) of St. Charles, IL, Stanley P. Parker (Cassandra) of Lebanon, TN, Adrian S. Potter (Laura) of Minnetonka, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Anthony Parker (Tamaris), Marcus Parker (Glenda), Candace Parker (Anna), Stuart Parker (Heather), Jayme Parker, Michalyn Parker (Mitchell), Olivia Gloria, Michael Joseph Parker, Courtney Parker, Alexis Parker, Gabriella Parker, and Isabella Potter; her sister, Lita J. Holmes (Orland) of Joliet, IL; and many other loving family members, including 33 great – grandchildren and great – great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, caregivers, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her late husband, Andrew S. Potter, her sister, Wanda Coleman, and her brothers-in-law, Lt. Col. Fredrick Coleman and Orland W. Holmes.

Visitation for Joan Duke Potter will be on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W. State Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134, from 11 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 3 p.m. Interment will occur at a later date in a private ceremony at Batavia East Cemetery in Batavia, Illinois. For further information call Yurs Funeral Home Geneva. 630-232-7337

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