Shirley Mae Steele Potts

Shirley Mae Steele Potts, 76, of Sophia, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at High Point Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by her niece, Tammy Potts-O’Kelley. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro.

Shirley was born in Asheboro, North Carolina, on April 29, 1949, to the late Luther Charles Steele, Sr. and Hazel Mae Isley Steele. She entered this world with a head full of beautiful red hair and a radiant smile that could light even the darkest room—a warmth she carried throughout her life.

Shirley had a deep love for Jesus and found great joy in the timeless comfort of hymns. As a young woman, she especially enjoyed listening to music and dancing, a love she carried with her throughout her life. She also appreciated the simple pleasures in life, including her love of collecting rocks, each one a small treasure to her. Though she lived simply, she was rich in compassion and generosity. She gave freely from what little she had, often supporting organizations dedicated to children and childhood illnesses. Her giving spirit was shaped in part by the heartbreaking loss of her son, Johnny Lee, in 1983—a loss that remained with her always, as only a mother can understand.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved son, Johnny Lee Potts; brothers, Gary Lee and James Michael “Mike” Steele; half-sister, Norma Jean “Sissy” Presnell; half-brother, Charles Steele; grandchildren, Melissa Dawn Garner and Kristy Dawn Presnell; daughter-in-law, Eva Alice Potts; and her in-laws, Wille Gray Potts and Louise Potts Craven.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children, Sherry Ann Potts Cole and husband, Roger, of Asheboro; Frankie Dean Potts and wife, Amber, of Seagrove; and Eddie Monroe Potts of Lexington; her brother, Luther Charles “Butch” Steele, Jr. of Archdale; and her sister, Frances “Frannie” Rose and husband, Carlyle of Clinton. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Matthew Garner, Chance Monroe and Ava Grace Potts, Emily and Hailey Potts; great-grandchildren, Noel Kirsten, Lavodaga Pearl Ann, Acesa Jaida Lecessity; Christian Joel (Ally), Joel Thomas, and and Achilles Justice Fesperman; great-great-granddaughter, Amelia Dawn Fesperman; her former husband, Robert Lee “Bob” Potts of Hickory Grove, South Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the ICU at High Point Medical Center for the care and compassion shown to Shirley during the final hours following her sudden illness.

In honor of Shirley’s memory, flowers are deeply appreciated. Alternatively, memorial contributions may be made to:https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Ridge Funeral Home, prior to the service, and at other times at the home of Michael & Tammy O’Kelley.

Shirley’s children and family will carry her memory with them always, remembering her bright smile and the humble spirit she exhibited throughout her life.