Clarita "Corkie" Potts

Clarita “Corkie” was born in Passaic, New Jersey on November 26, 1930. She passed away in Florida on March 24, 2024.

Corkie called Lakeland, FL her home for over 50 years. She raised her family here, made numerous friends, and contributed to the betterment of her community through her tireless efforts of helping others by volunteering her time to worthy causes.

Corkie was a supportive and selfless wife, mom, and friend. Her genuineness and kindness touched all who met her. She had compassion for others, was full of life and above all loved her family. Corkie was a fabulous cook. She made the best green pea soup in the world! She enjoyed going to museums, listening to classical music, and having friends over for dinner to share wonderful meals and conversation.

Growing up, Corkie had traversed some difficult times, but she rose above it and kept moving forward. She met the love of her life, Wallace “Wally” through mutual friends. They married on July 10, 1954. They had 3 daughters: Lizbeth (Michael), Lauren (Bill), and Sharon (Allen). Wally and Corkie made a life for themselves and stood united through thick and thin, until Wally’s death in 2015. Due to Wally’s career as an engineer, the family moved from New Jersey to Memphis, TN, out to Ponca City, OK, and then to Lakeland, FL. Corkie always made her mark through her willingness to help others by becoming a home room mom, creating a reading hour for preschoolers at a local library, starting a first aid clinic at Sharon’s middle school, being a Pink Lady at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, volunteering countless hours helping elementary school children learn to read, help in donation drives for the Cancer Society. Even though she was tireless in her volunteer efforts, Corkie always had time for her family and her friends.

A big thank you to Corkie’s care givers, both past and present, neighbors and friends far and wide, who have been so supportive of her and her family. Corkie was loved by so many people and she loved them all back. It has always been a comfort to know that her smile and warmth has been experienced by so many. We’re going to miss Corkie a lot.

Corkie is also survived by her grandson, Travis, her sister-in-law, Anita Potts, and her nephew, Warren Potts and his family.

A family visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801.