/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/577/509949/ebWRUWQFlqeg6aZyFrontPagePhotoforProgram.jpeg)
Obituary For Mary Poteat
Mary Ernestine (Jackson) Poteat, affectionately called Ernestine by her family, was born to the late Pearl (Williams) and Garfield Jackson in Kingston, New York. Shortly after her birth, the family decided to move back south to Roxboro, North Carolina, where the family of four would establish their routes and continue to grow their family.
Mary, being the oldest daughter of what would eventually become 11 siblings in total, had the responsibility of preparing their meals very early in life, among other chores to care for her siblings. You can say her passion for cooking began early, which became a part of her ministry.
In high school, Mary worked in a popular Roxboro diner where she met her future mother-in-law, Beatrice Poteat. Mrs. B, as she was known, really liked Mary and wanted her to meet her “fourth boy”. Unbeknownst to Mrs. B, Mary would meet the love of her life in the high school she and the “fourth boy” shared. Mary and Woodrow became friends and then began to date in their junior year. Immediately after high school, Woodrow joined the military, the Army. While Woodrow was off to war, Mary decided to move to Harrisburg, PA in 1968, leaving her Roxboro home for more opportunities. Upon Woodrow’s return, he proposed to Mary and the two married in 1970. The two were together for 60 years and married for 55 of those years, celebrating their 55th anniversary on November 6, 2025.
Mary really enjoyed working. When she first came to Harrisburg, she worked with her family at the Wilkerson Diner; grateful to her family in allowing her to earn her way. She would hold different jobs before finding her niche as a Business Analyst at Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. There she assisted customers with health insurance. Mary would work for the company for over 30 years until she retired in 2010.
In 1973, Mary and Woodrow had their first born, Woodrow Madeira Poteat. A few years later, they had their second born, Nzinga A. (Poteat) Hill. Then they had their third and last-born Lawanza L. (Poteat) Ware.
Mary had a vast ministry! Her ministry led her to so many auxiliaries such as the Sunshine Band, Vacation Bible School, the Voices for Christ, the Mount Calvary Mass Choir… too many to name them all! Her passion was to ensure the next generation knew who God is and that she did!
The Bible was Mary’s guide through life. She was a prayer warrior and she clung to God’s unchanging promise of everlasting life. Psalms 91:1-4 reads, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God in Him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
To know Mary was to know a beautiful spirit. In her life, God was everything! The love of her family was one of her greatest joys. If you really knew Mary, you know she loved to laugh. Laughter was her healer and she often reminded us of being called a Silly Woman! She laughed at everything, mainly herself. She never took herself too seriously. She had such a welcoming spirit. She greeted you with a smile first and a hug second. She was gracious. She gave even when she did not have to give. She gave of herself to the very end, concerned with others before caring for herself.
Mary was called to her eternal rest on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Mary could often be heard saying “I believe God will”.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Garfield Jackson; her in-laws, Beatrice and Frank Poteat; her son, Woodrow Madeira Poteat; her brother, Larry Jackson and her brothers-in-law, Frank Poteat and Roy Poteat.
Mary is survived by her husband, Woodrow; her two daughters, Nzinga (Christopher) Hill of Edgewater, FL and Lawanza (Samuel – who she affectionately called Rock Star) Ware of Camp Hill, PA; nine siblings, Garfield (Arnetta) Jackson, Jr., Lillie (Ken) Sanders, Stephen Jackson, Laverne Jackson, Sheila (David) Royal, Charles (Mamie) Jackson, Anthony (Christine) Jackson, Velma Jackson, Thomas (Quifang Ma) Jackson; 10 siblings through marriage – Willie Gene Poteat, Lewell (Kelly) Poteat, Shirley Poteat, Sadie Poteat, Carrie Sue Butler, Jerry Poteat, Wayne Poteat, Bertha Eastwood, Barry (Marie) Poteat, Alexander (Valarie) Poteat; two aunts, Magdalene Ragland and Helen Jones; six grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and so many friends.
Please continue to keep this family lifted up in prayer!
Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Don Royal sent The Peace Lily for Mary Poteat - November 21, 2025
Manda R McIntyre sent Rose Garden Heart for Mary Poteat - November 21, 2025
Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church sent Emerald Garden Basket for Mary Poteat - November 20, 2025
On behalf of Ira Lee Jackson, I offer love, hope, and prayers to the family. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" Amen
Sending my prayers of comfort to the family .Sister Mary Poteat was a beautiful godly woman .i met her at Mt,Calvary Church years ago with my Sister Gwen Howard alway Smiling and Quite but always gave a good message of the word of God to everyone she meet .She loved when my daughter Victoria would do her hair I can still see the smile all over her face .When my daughter would kid with her about her looking all sexy . Mary you rest now in the arms of our Father in heaven your job is done here on earth.
/religious/cross-bible.jpg)
MY Deepest CONDOLENCES to the FAMILY of our Dearest❤️ Sister Mary J. Poteat . SHE will be missed & Cherished in Memory🎈. Praying for the Family. *DKT
My condolences to the family. I'm sure you all know that sister was a beautiful person inside and out I'll never forget her laughter and the jokes and time when we would go out to eat.I will miss my sister God bless you family
M.ary was a lovable person. To know her was to love is resting in the arms of Jesus. Will always have love for you . We will miss our outings. You rest in the arms of Jeusu.
This one hits hard,my sister forever you will be greatly missed,you were always our shining star,to my brother Woodrow,Nzinga,Lawanza and grandchildren I love you all with all my heart❤️👏👏
/religious/dove.jpg)
Prayers of peace, strength and comfort for Mr. Poteat, daughters, grandchildren, siblings, church family and all that knew, loved and were impacted by her gentle spirit. We are saddened to hear of her passing. Now she can enjoy singing and rejoicing in the presence of the King of kings, our Lord, Jesus Christ. May the sweet memories bring comfort.
Cousin Mary you surely will be missed. Your now in God's Glory.We love you Dessie, Rachel, Roberta
Cousin Mary you surely will be missed. Your now in God's Glory. We love you. Dessie, Rachel, Roberta
Cousin Mary you surely will be missed. We love you. Dessie, Rachel, Roberta. Your at peace now in God's Glory
I will always remember when I first met Cousin Mary Uncle Henry asked her to sing uncloudy day and she had the church on their feet at little Mt Calvary. Family I'm sending my love and condolences to each and everyone on the passing of a sweet soul that will never be forgotten.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Sister Poteat was a beautiful woman of God who always lead by example with grace and faith. I pray that God will comfort the family in their time of need with strength and peace. Tisha Grimes/Family
Sending my deepest condolences to my family on the passing of Cousin Mary.
We love you and will truly miss you!!!!!
To Family Poteat and Jackson. Sending condolences to the family. You all are in my prayers.
My condolences to woodrow and family. As one of her physicians I will miss her. I learned strength and compassion through the way she lived her life. Rest in peace
/religious/cross-draped.jpg)
Words can not express the joy in her voice. As she sang praises to the Lord on Sunday mornings. I pray that God's grace and mercy be with you all. Her husband, family, friends and relatives. All the lives of the children she touched. And soul's she's saved. In this we pray.
I thank God for Mary.She was truely a woman of god.She was very kind and thoughtful.When my Brother passed,she gave me a big beautiful Fruit Basket,and a warm Hug.I felt the Love. She was truely a Saint. God Bless And Keep The Family in Peace.
We offer our sincere Condolence to her husband and family, her Church family, her extended family and all who loved knew and loved her. She was a precious jewel and we will miss her greatly. Absent from the body, present with The LORD. Elder & Mrs. C. G. Henderson
All endings are also beginnings... Cousin Ernestine, Thank you for being the pillar of our family. Thank you for loving us. I'm lost for words, I'm hurt but I know Allah/God needed you. Hopefully, the next time I meet you would be at Heavens door. Prayers to our entire family, may Allah/God give us healing and strength during this time. Love always, cousin Desiree
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
