Genevieve “Auntie” Potts was born February 3, 1937, to Robert and Helen Potts of Las Vegas, New Mexico. She graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1955 and then obtained her teaching degree from New Mexico Highlands University and a Master’s degree in Library Science from Colorado University.
Genevieve spent her teaching career in Gallup New Mexico where she taught elementary school.
Genevieve relocated to Portales, New Mexico, in 1981 to a house down the street from her sister Virginia, brother-in-law Al, and their kids. This is where she became our beloved “Auntie.” Genevieve was ever present in the activities of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She made meals, ran errands, organized craft projects, taught them to read, and escorted them to cultural activities.
She was very involved in her community in Portales. Genevieve volunteered her time at the nursing home in Portales, New Mexico, tending to the residents by passing out popcorn, visiting with them, and spending time with them during recreational activities. Genevieve also loved volunteering at the public library, where she would tutor both adults and children, teaching them English and how to read. She taught adult literacy classes and was a member of the local Bridge club, and derived great joy from these activities. She was a staunch supporter of the arts in her community.
Though generally perceived as a serious-minded person, Genevieve herself loved performance art in the form of clowning. She often performed in her community as Red Shoes the Clown and mentored other performers in the art. Genevieve was forever attending the games, recitals, programs, and graduations for various family members and championing their accomplishments.
She moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 2011, where she cared for Al and Virginia until their deaths. She was, as always, very involved in her local Presbyterian church and served on multiple volunteer projects in Portales, New Mexico, and Lubbock, Texas. She was, at heart, a giver, and four generations of family benefited from her knowledge, love, and passion for service. She was a prayer warrior and gained strength from her faith, love, and trust in the Lord.
Genevieve is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Robert H. Potts Jr., her beloved sister Virginia “Pinge” Schmuck and Virginia’s husband, Al Schmuck, a great-nephew Keenan Wofford and a great-great-niece Susanna Jilek.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Katherine Potts-Sanker, Joseph Schmuck, Maria Osbourne, Anna Olivarez, JohnTae Schmuck, Rachel Peterson, Rebecca Schmuck-Galindo, Virginia Sullivan, Cathy Sullivan, Beth Lindsey, Celia Davis, Sherill Wofford, Alyne Fulte, Julia Wofford. She is also survived by thirty-five great-nieces and nephews who knew her as their “Auntie”.
She passed away on June 20, 2025, at 88.
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