Retired Covenant minister David A. Potts passed away on July 25, 2024, in Jamestown, New York. He was 68.
David A. Potts was born to parents Barclay and Lucille Potts on October 5, 1955, in Buffalo, New York. He graduated in 1973 from Jamestown High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo. David went on to graduate from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, in 1982.
David was a member of First Covenant Church in Jamestown, New York, and served as a pastor at Pilgrim Covenant Church, Brooklyn, New York, First Covenant Church in Bessemer, Pennsylvania, Bethany Covenant Church in Bedford, New Hampshire, Covenant Congregational Church in Easton, Connecticut, First Covenant Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Wiley Heights Covenant Church in Yakima, Washington. Additionally, David served at churches in Jamestown, New York, and Wellsville, New York, and as a hospital chaplain in Orlando, Florida.
David enjoyed swimming, traveling, and RVing. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. As a devoted follower of Christ, he also believed passionately that, “you should not be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.” He put that into practice through founding Brooklyn Initiatives, Inc. to support the community service initiatives of Pilgrim Covenant Church in Brooklyn, and by volunteering to handle bookkeeping and logistics for food pantries, lending a friendly ear, and supporting younger ministers and missionaries.
An early adopter of computing technology, David took classes at University at Buffalo in computer science and programming. David was also passionate about inclusion and equity, inside and outside of the church. David, along with his wife, Covenant minister Jan Potts, advocated for women leaders within the church and beyond. His love for people extended past borders and he loved to connect with people of all backgrounds through cooking, hospitality, and conversation.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Rev. Jan Hallstrom Potts; and brother, Barclay “Skip” Potts, Jr. He is survived by son, Aaron Potts; daughter, Annemarie Potts; sisters, Carolyn Potts and Linda Walrod (Bob); sister–in–law, Cheryl Potts; as well as an uncle and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorials may be made “In memory of David Potts” to Camp Mission Meadows in Dewittville, New York. Words of condolence may be left at Lind Funeral Home.
Peace be to his memory.
