Betty Jo (Yaw) Potter Dies in Pa. at Age 93

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Created on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 15:38

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Elizabeth Joan (Betty Jo) Yaw Potter

Elizabeth Joan (Betty Jo) Yaw Potter, 93, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, in State College, Pennsylvania.
Betty Jo was born in Sitka on November 24, 1931, to Caroline Ruth Witzigman Yaw and William Leslie (Les) Yaw. She remembered hunting with her father, campfires on the beach, and worrying that a Japanese submarine might appear in the harbor as she walked home from school. She picked blueberries and made blueberry cake with hard sauce. She enjoyed trips in Southeast Alaska on her family’s boat, the Idono.
During WWII she developed an even hand in knitting scarves for GIs. Her grandchildren remember her teaching them to knit and to make rhubarb sauce.
After graduating from Sitka High School in 1949, Betty Jo attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she earned a BA in philosophy and religion in 1953. She then entered the San Francisco Theological Seminary, where she met Taylor McWilliams Potter from Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. They were married at Fremont Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, California, on December 11, 1954.
June 1956 marked the beginning of their decades-long work for the Presbyterian Church as they prepared to enter the mission field. In July 1957 they traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, where they served for nine years. While Taylor headed the architectural office of the Church of Christ in Thailand, Betty Jo taught piano, was chair of the Christian Education Committee, and part-time director of Christian Education at International Church. She also became fluent in Thai. All four of her children were born in Thailand.
After they left Thailand, Betty Jo continued to raise her children and support her husband. His work took them to Princeton, New Jersey (1966-68), Stony Point, New York (1968-70), Portland, Oregon (1971-77), Sitka, Alaska (1977-80), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1980-82), and finally to Mililani Town, Hawaii (1982-92).
In Portland she taught English as a Second Language to refugees from Southeast Asia and lead Bible studies at Lewis and Clark College. During their time in Hawaii, she decided to return to seminary and earned her master of divinity degree in 1990 from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California.
She managed moves across oceans and she drove a VW Squareback across the United States with four young children. She kept her hair short and her glasses clean.
Betty Jo ably raised her children, instilling in them the values of faith, education, and service. They remember her ability to provide, from modest means, many rich and meaningful experiences. Even after they left home, she continued to challenge their intellectual development through gifts of periodical subscriptions.
Betty Jo and Taylor retired to his historic family farm outside Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. While there, Betty Jo was called to serve as interim associate pastor at State College Presbyterian Church, and was ordained by the Huntingdon Presbytery.
In 1999 she and Taylor returned to Thailand to manage the Bangkok Christian Guest House for a year. They also drove across the United States several times visiting family and friends, and traveled to such far-flung places as Norway, Fiji, and New Zealand.
In 2002 Betty Jo and Taylor moved to Monte Vista Grove in Pasadena, California, a community for fellow servants of the Presbyterian Church. Many were friends they made during their years of service.
In 2011 Taylor, her husband of almost sixty years, was called home to be with our Lord. She continued to live at Monte Vista Grove, and was active in the community, including leading Bible studies. For most of her life she was a faithful correspondent, but a stroke in 2012 made letter writing and typing very difficult.
Betty Jo moved to State College in 2017 to be near her daughter. She entertained the staff with her sense of humor, worked on jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed visits from family. She survived the isolation of Covid, writing, “I am so tired of eating alone on paper plates and most of the time my food is not hot. What a life…it really has been a good place to be, however. Just a little difficult right now. We will be ‘free’ hopefully sometime.” Covid introduced FaceTime calls with family, which continued until her death. She always had a smile when she got to see her great-granddaughter.
She is survived by her children, Terry Baxter-Potter (Wanada) of Mesa, Arizona, Dee Ann Wylie (Richard) of State College, Lance Potter of Cheney, Washington, and Taylor G. Potter (Fabiola) of Middletown, Pennsylvania; by nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; by sister Nancy Davis of Anchorage, and brother Charles (Chuck) Yaw of La Conner, Washington; and by many beloved nieces and nephews.
“While we are immeasurably saddened by our loss, we celebrate a life well lived in the service of God and filled with love and friendship. Her intellect, strength, and compassion are remembered by many,” her family said. “Betty Jo positively touched lives in many ways around the world sharing God’s love through her daily living and servant heart.”
A celebration of Betty Jo’s life is planned for May 24, 2025, at State College Presbyterian Church in State College. “Her family appreciates your support and prayers in this time of grief,” her children said.

Remembrances may be left at:  https://obituaries.cremationofpennsylvania.com/obituaries/harrisburg-pa/elizabeth-potter-12151307

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