Birdie Mae Clifton Potter

Birdie Mae Clifton Potter, 87, of Bayboro, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 5, 1938, in Deep Lake, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Edith and Clyde Clifton. Birdie was a woman whose life was marked by unwavering kindness, a sharp wit, and a deep and abiding love for the Lord and Savior.

During her high school years at Everglades City High School, Birdie was well known for her accomplishments on the basketball court and her success in spelling bees. Soon after graduation, she married the love of her life, Carol Potter, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned 69 devoted years.

Birdie’s life was a testament to hard work, determination, and love for her family. She began her career at Everglades City Bank during the summer of her tenth-grade year, laying the foundation for a lifetime of dedication in business. Alongside her husband, she owned and operated several successful ventures, including Birdie’s Fashions in Alliance, a fleet of scallop boats, Lowland Seafood, RE Mayo Seafood, Potter Insurance, and Carquest in Alliance. She later retired from Wachovia Bank in Bayboro after many years of faithful service.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Birdie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured her heart into supporting her children and grandchildren in every aspect of their lives-from church activities to sports events, dance recitals, music lessons, and wrestling tournaments. She was often the loudest and proudest voice in the stands.

Birdie had a gift for making others feel loved. She never met a stranger and was known for her warm smile, her compassion, and her ability to love without judgment. She was an avid coin collector, a passionate volunteer with Relay for Life, and a dedicated supporter of the North Carolina Fisheries Association, always advocating for the commercial fishing community she held dear.

At home, Birdie found joy in cooking for her family, decorating for the holidays, and creating lasting memories. Her legendary chocolate fudge and banana pudding were cherished by all who knew her. She was also known for her wisdom, her vibrant personality, and her collection of flamboyant hats-each one as unique and memorable as she was. Birdie truly wore many hats in life, always striving to make the world around her better.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest son, Mike Potter; her oldest granddaughter, Tamara Alane Potter; her brothers, Alton Clifton and wife, Katherine and Clyde “Buster” Clifton; and her sister, Juanita Weldon.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Carol Potter; son, Clyde Potter, daughter, Jane Potter; grandchildren, McKenzie Lewis (Ryan), Zac Whitley, and Jake Whitley; great grandson, Dawson Blaze Chenault; sister, Betty Jo Brown of Alabama; brother-in-law, Eric Weldon of Everglades City, Florida; sisters-in-law, Faye Potter Mason (Jackie) of Oriental and Jean Clifton of Florida; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24th at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th at Lowland Community Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Alliance Pentecostal Holiness Church c/o Glenda Paul, 116 Paul Farm Rd., Grantsboro, NC 28529.

Birdie will be remembered as one of a kind – unforgettable in spirit, rich in love, and a light in the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion will live on for generations to come.