Celebration of Life for South 13th Street homicide victim to be held January 15

January 10, 2022

Family, friends, co-workers and clients will be celebrating the life of Colleen Marie Potts on January 15th at 2:30pm at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
All are welcome, masks are strongly encouraged.

Ms. Colleen Marie Potts

June 22, 1948 to October 24,2021

Colleen Potts, 73, was killed as the result of a robbery on October 24th, 2021.  Beloved partner, sister, friend – mother to numerous Fur Babies through her pet sitting business – her death was widely covered in the news media, and her killer was found and arrested.  Family, friends, co-workers and clients will be celebrating her life on January 15th at 2:30pm at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.  All are welcome, masks are strongly encouraged.

Known affectionately as Nanny Colleen to many of her Fur Babies, Colleen was an avid animal lover and, after retiring from the United States Post Office in Michigan as Post Master, ran her own pet sitting business in Fernandina Beach, FL.  She was continually giving gifts to her baby’s “parents” – client’s oIn lieu of flowers, there will be a donation box in the lobby. All money received will be designated to go towards helping her disabled brother, Michael and her favorite charitiesften found treats, kind letters, gift cards, toys, flowers, holiday presents, etc, after Colleen would pet sit.  Many clients commented that she spent exactly what she earned pet sitting right back on her “children”.  This generosity extended to all areas of Colleen’s life – her family, friends, co-workers, hairstylist and all associates received the same thoughtful attention and gifting.

Colleen was a Bright Light, and she shone on every heart she encountered.  Her life was an exemplary example of Service first unto others, love unconditionally, as God loves, and leave a legacy of selfless Grace.  Her death was a profound tragedy.  She will be continually missed by her community and any person who ever once had the privilege of her friendship.  She is survived by her brother, Micheal Potts, her life partner, Charles Himmelheber, her adoptive daughter, Monica O’Connor, adoptive son-in-law, Donovan O’Connor, and her adoptive granddaughter, Allison O’Connor.

Update:  In lieu of flowers, there will be a donation box in the lobby. All money received will be designated to go towards helping her disabled brother, Michael and her favorite charities