January 26, 2023, 91, Wilmington –

July 4, 1931 – January 26, 2023

Virginia Dare Potter Wilson has fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8.

Born in Ayden, North Carolina to the late Eldridge Lundy Potter, Sr. and Nannie Pate Potter on July 4, 1931, Jenny was the youngest of five children. She was tough from the start, with a strong will and a powerful determination. Jenny grew into a passionate, feisty, independent young woman. Those qualities were only a few of what attracted the love of her life.

Jenny and Tom married in August 1948. Together they raised their children and built a life they loved. In 1962, Tom responded to God’s calling on his heart and became a gospel minister, and Jenny supported him fully. She remained by his side as he pastored six churches over the course of many years and as he evangelized. Jenny’s roles as a wife, mother, and pastor’s wife were her personal calling and she fulfilled those duties graciously.

God was placed first and center in Jenny’s life. She was a prayer warrior and a witness to others of God’s love and mercy. She was faithful to the Lord and His church, and it was a priority to be in God’s house to worship and give thanks. Second, only to God was Jenny’s family. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28. She was the very epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. Never has a woman loved a man the way Jenny loved her Tom. Her heart remained his for 24 years after he departed this life. She was a loving and caring mother to her four children and “Granny” to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family finds peace and comfort in knowing that Jenny has seen the face of Jesus and has been reunited with her beloved husband and family.

A service to celebrate and honor Jenny’s life will be held Monday, January 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. at La Grange Church of God. The family will receive friends the hour before the service. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston.

Her children survive Jenny, Thomas “Tommy” Wilson, Danny Wilson, Marie Llaneza and husband, Robert, and Cathy Wilson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Angela Terreros (Joshua and Caleb), Robbie Llaneza, April and Seth Hackler (Jarryn, Trenton, and Kinsley), James and Savanna Forsythe (Walker), Nathan and Felicia Llaneza (Joseph and Abby), and Sean (Grace) and Jessica Wilson. In addition to her parents, Jenny was preceded in death by her husband of over 51 years, Rev. Ervin Thomas “Tom” Wilson; siblings, Hilda Paul, Vivian Morris, Eldridge Lundy “Bud” Potter, Jr., and Charlie Potter; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Renee’ Llaneza.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jenny’s memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, online at lifecare.org, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.