Kelly Michelle Potter-Little

Obituary For Kelly Michelle Potter-Little

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Kelly Michelle Potter-Little, who left us on April 11, 2024, at the tender age of 38. Kelly's vibrant spirit illuminated every room she entered. With a free spirit and a heart overflowing with compassion, she had a remarkable way of touching the lives of all she encountered. It was as though she could effortlessly glide into your heart, captivating you with her infectious smile, outgoing nature, and delightful sense of humor, lifting your spirits and leaving an indelible mark on your soul while doing an 8 count.

The Early Years

Kelly Potter was born to Selena Potter and Oswald Leacock at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Early in Kelly's life, she, her mother, and her brother Kelvin Potter moved to Queens, New York, with her maternal grandmother, Janet Potter, affectionately known as "Ma". It was "Ma" who had the most significant influence and impact on Kelly's life, introducing her to gymnastics at the age of 7 and dance lessons at the age of 13, nurturing her bubbly personality and talents.

Kelly's upbringing shaped her into the special person she was and left an indelible mark on those around her. As the middle child, she served as an anchor to her older brother Kelvin and a hero to her baby sister Keaira. Kelly's relationships extended beyond family; she formed sisterly bonds with her cousins, especially Vernee Wright, and grew up alongside Janice Wright. Barkee Wilkes seamlessly integrated into the family, becoming her "other brother."

Kelly's dedication and talent led her to attend Frank Sinatra High School in New York City, a renowned performing arts school. She then went on to graduate from Penn State University with distinction, a testament to her hard work and academic prowess that inspires admiration and respect.

We Are!!! Penn State

Kelly was an avid dancer and dance permeated every aspect of her life. As a graduate of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, New York, she was able to cultivate her passion for dance. This ultimately led her to the prominent Penn State University (We Are!! Penn State) where she soared, embodying the love of her family, dance, and Penn State in every way. Being actively involved in campus life allowed her to leave an indelible footprint, including being a Tri-L legacy of Lion Leader (Penn State Schuylkill campus), a Penn State Lion Ambassador (Penn State Schuylkill campus), a member of Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity (University Park campus), a member of Praise in Motion (Schuylkill and University Park campuses), a member of the Quiet Storm Step Team (Schuylkill and University Park campuses), and a member of Penn State’s Chapter of the NAACP (University Park campus). Penn State exposed Kelly to endless opportunities and introduced her to her professional calling of health care and medical science. While pursuing a BS in Bio-Behavioral Health and a Minor in Dance, fate orchestrated a serendipitous meeting with Justin Little, setting the stage for an extraordinary love story to unfold. On October 16, 2011, amidst the sacred walls of Seek His Face church in Harrisburg, Justin and Kelly exchanged vows in a ceremony filled with intimacy and devotion. From the depths of their union blossomed two radiant souls, Jayden and Janae, who became the living testament to the depth of their love and the beauty of their journey together.

An Angel with a Stethoscope

Kelly went on to pursue a career in medical health sciences in the central Pennsylvania area. Her notable skills elevated her to a career in post-secondary education. Over time, she worked at both Brightwood Career Institute (formerly Kaplan Institute) and Central Penn College as a Medical Assistant Instructor, while also teaching English as a Second Language courses online. Kelly eventually transitioned into doing direct care, working as the Resident Care Coordinator for Viva Senior Living Center. Kelly’s love of life permeated the halls of Viva and residents embraced her and the exemplary care she provided.

“For if I’ve been an AKA, life owes me naught, I’ve lived my day.”

Kelly’s organizational affiliations were vast. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Ruth C. Smith Chapter No. 8, a Kappa Sweetheart from the Dynamic Delta Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and on October 31, 2021, Kelly fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Sigma Omega (ESO) Chapter. Sisterhood and service were instinctive for Kelly, as she instantly rolled up her sleeves and modeled the charge of being of “Service to all Mankind”. Kelly served as the Co-Chair for Empowering our Families which encompassed CHIPP (Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack Program), she also was a 2022 Boule Delegate, a Member of the AKA Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, a 2023 NARC Delegate, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Representative for ESO, a Member of NARC’s Inaugural Regional Step Team, and Co-Chair of the 2023 Soiree’ Noire Gala for ESO.

Legacy

Kelly was a rare rose in the landscape of our lives. In 38 years, Kelly managed to mesmerize us all with her smile, lighten our hearts with her laugh, and encourage us to love each other through her service. Left to continue her legacy of love and service are her husband of 13 years, Justin Little; their two children, Jayden and Janae Little; her mother, Selena Cannon (Moodi) of Manhattan, New York; her maternal grandmother, Janet Potter “Ma”; a brother, Kelvin Potter and sister, Keaira Compas, all of Queens, New York; a father-in-law, David Little (Sherry) of Brooklyn, New York; 7 brothers-in-law, David Little of Harrisburg, PA, Isaiah Little (Shabrina) of Durham, North Carolina, Anthony Little (Ladise) of Carlisle, PA, Craig Hedrington (Qiana) of Lancaster, PA, Greg Hedrington of Stroudsburg, PA and Joshua Hedrington of Hazelton, PA; 3 sisters-in-law, Latyce Little of Harrisburg, PA, Shareese Little and Danielle Little, both of Long Island, New York; several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and friends.

Her life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Steelton, 1850 S. 19th St., Harrisburg, PA 17104 with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony at 12:15 p.m.