Marion Louise Potts

Marion Louise Stroman was born May 16, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan to Betty Mae and Lawrence Stroman.  Marion was 1 of 5 siblings all who preceded her in death; brothers Fred, James, Lawrence and sister Flora Mae. 

Marion was educated in Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Northern High School in 1946. 

Marion was joined in holy matrimony to Eugene T. Potts. To this union 2 sons were born, Eugene and James. 

Marion was a gifted seamstress and worked making seat covers for General Motors until retirement. She was recognized for improvements that she suggested which streamlined the sewing processes and saved money for the company.  

A life-long learner, Marion was fascinated with technology and mastered both the Android and the iPhone. She couldn't understand why her peers and her sons weren't as quick to learn; she loved to use Twitter, Facebook and Facetime.   Marion loved to cook and used her chopsticks with every meal.  She enjoyed reading, sudoku, golfing, bowling, square dancing and ballroom dancing.  Becoming a widow soon after her sons were born, Marion decided not to remarry in order not to be discouraged or forbidden from attempting to explore her many interests. 

Though Marion had an amazing intellect and strove to perfection in all that she attempted, she was humble and willing to teach.  She taught her great granddaughters (who affectionately called her Gran Gran) how to crochet, knit and use a sewing machine when they were just tykes.  She set up classroom style spaces in her apartment teaching them to read, write and how to properly hold a pencil.  She generously used her sewing and tailoring skills to create and make many beautiful items of clothing for family, friends and neighbors.  She helped launch her special great grandson's clothing line and fashion show by hand stitching logos on apparel. Miss Marion (as many called her) made formal dresses and tailored suits for her sister/friend, Velma Brown who also preceded Marion in death. She created and re-made square dance outfits for herself and other square dance friends.  Marion was particularly fond of denim; she would design and decorate them in her own unique style. She created an untold number of purses, satchels, book bags, life size dolls, miniature dolls and other creations too numerous to recount...Items to be cherished for years and perhaps generations to come. 

Marion's last months were spent in a hospice facility where the caregivers called her "amazing," "firecracker" and "gifted."  They shared that she offered many helpful tips on how to do their jobs better and held them to account for their promises; she told them to listen to her and treat her as if she were their very own grandmother.  She especially enjoyed conversations with the Chaplain and looked forward to his visits.  Miss Marion wanted to live another five or six years, yet a few days before her passing, she had a twinkle in her eye and stated, "I think I know what this is all about now."   I trust this glimpse into the person of Marion Louise Potts highlights that her intentions were all about doing good.  Her life was full of enthusiasm for living and learning. Marion showed great resilience when faced with pain, opposition and disappointment - something we hope carries into the four generations that she has poured into.  
 

Some of Gran Gran's famous quotes: "you should learn something new every day", "drink plenty of water" and "ladies, put your eye makeup on before leaving the house".  

Marion is survived by her sons, Eugene (Shirley) and James (Inealia); granddaughters Lynette and Tiffany; step-grandsons Jerone and Jason; great-granddaughters; Lynda, Deja, Adia and Trinity; step-great-grands; Alexis, Andre, Johnathan, Isabella and Alexandria; great-great-grandson, Princeton and great-great-granddaughters, Kori and Kodi; sister in-laws Hatsuko Stroman, Yun Sil Stroman and Hortence Stroman. A special great-grandson Corey Collins and a special daughter, Ellen Johnson of Birmingham Alabama; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.