Carolyn Yvonne Potts, 87, formerly of West Salem, IL, passed away June 10, 2026, at Oakview Nursing & Rehab in Mt. Carmel, IL. Born March 18, 1939, in Bennington, IL, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Pearl Lomas. Carolyn grew up in Edwards County, attending Blood School before moving to West Salem schools. A determined lifelong learner, she went to night classes to earn her GED at age 50. Throughout her life, Carolyn was a hard worker and a familiar face in her community, holding positions at the Olney shoe factory, Champion Laboratories, West Salem Manor, Casey’s, the IGA deli, Willum’s Restaurant, and the Senior Citizen’s Centers in both West Salem and Browns.
Carolyn was a devoted member of the First Christian Church in West Salem, joining in 1994. Her unwavering faith sustained her through many life hardships, including the profound loss of her oldest son, Dennis, at age 17. She loved reading her Bible, taking motorcycle trips across the country with her husband Bob, and preparing food for family gatherings. She was especially famous for her “Happy Birthday, Jesus” Christmas cakes and her signature pea salad.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Floyd Summerfield (d. 1985); her husband of 36 years, Robert Potts; her beloved son, Dennis Ray Clark; two sisters, Opal Dorman and Irene Dorman; a stepdaughter, Patty Potts; and a great-grandson, Keeton Mewes.
She leaves behind a legacy of deep kindness and care, survived by her “baby brother,” Eldon Lomas; her children, Patti (Max) Michels of Albion, Beverly Hall of West Salem, and Gary Harrison of Roseburg, or her stepdaughters, Deborah Potts of Lawrenceville and Lori (Johnathan) Wilbourne of Bridgewater, IA; seven grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and her special first cousin, Ann.
A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem, IL. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the funeral beginning at noon. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery, where she will be interred next to her son.
In accordance with Carolyn’s unique wishes, no photos will be displayed; instead, friends and family are invited to take one of her cherished, handwritten recipes from the display table.
Memorials may be made to the Edwards County Council on Aging, the West Salem First Christian Church, or Macedonia Cemetery.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to assist the family of Carolyn Y. Potts with arrangements.
