Ethel R. Poteat

Ethel Lucille Robinson Poteat, a native of Washington, DC and a District of Columbia school teacher, died of cancer on June 13 at George Washington University Hospital.. She was born on July 26, 1930. Educated in the Public Schools of Washington, D.C. she obtained her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Miner Teachers College, and received her Masters degree in Urban Education from George Washington University in 1975. Ethel was an active lifetime member of Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church, serving on many Ministries. Ethel began her life long professional career as a teacher, primarily at Langdon Elementary School. For thirty-six years she taught the class that most appealed to her gentle nature, Kindergarten. Upon her retirement after 36 years of teaching, she gained other employment. Her father and his brothers were owners of a funeral home in Greenwood, South Carolina, and as a youth, her dream was to become a Mortician. Little did she realize that in 1990 she would accept a position at Marshall?s Funeral Home. For sixteen years, until her recent illness, she worked as the personal administrative assistant for public relations to the owner, Mrs. Julia Marshall. This position was truly the perfect place for her to demonstrate her love of people, compassion, understanding and patience as she helped clients in decision making in their hour of bereavement. Her gentle nature, the quietness of her voice, the tenderness of her demeanor made her an asset to Marshall?s. Ethel was committed to helping others in need. She was involved in many community-based services, feeding the hungry, clothing drives, gathering needed supplies for college bound students displaced by Katrina. Not content to work solely with her home church, she lent her expertise in community based matters to other churches. And so it was of no surprise when the Century Club, on April 30, 2006, recognized her for ?Outstanding Community Service.? Ethel was asked to be a part of many organizations, but she chose those that were doing good things for our youths. When she became a part of an organization, she became a ?worker?. She could be counted on to complete any task/assignment given in an exemplary manner. She gave every task her best. She added her class, grace and talents to the following organizations, This Old Gang, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Tots and Teens Interlocking Neighbors, DC Parent Teacher Association, Maya Angelou Charter High School Board, Langdon Schools Birthday Bunch, and Dunbar High School Alumni Class of 1947. Ethel exemplified her love for God through her actions. She dedicated her life to the loving care of her mother, Bertha Robinson, and became the primary care giver for all family members requiring her assistance during their periods of illness and incapacitation. She was unselfish and tireless in providing for their care. Her patience, love, goodness, coupled with her soft spoken demeanor, was like soothing balm to them and made their illness and incapacitations bearable. Ethel made lifetime friends and they became family members. Through friendship she gained the sisters and brothers she never had. The daughters and sons of others became her children, and Grandchildren, These family additions brought much joy to her life. She cherished the close lifetime friendships. She leaves to cherish her memory, a legacy of love of family and friends. Surviving her is a loving daughter, Adrienne Poteat; a loving son, Weldon Poteat; two grandchildren, Leonard Marshall and Robert Poteat; two Sisters- in-law, Doreane Sumlin Elmer, and Barbara Jean Nickens Macon; nephews Robert and Kevin Nickens; former husband and friend Willard Poteat. To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the Poteat family, please sign the Online Guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook".

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Ethel R. Poteat

July 26, 1930 - June 13, 2006