Remembering Jolene: Potter fundraiser set for Oct. 4

By JACK H. SMITH

Staff Writer

Looking back at her childhood, Cori Potter has fond memories of her sister Jolene Potter.

Some of her favorite memories of her older sibling by two years were camping trips when they were little.

The family would ride four wheelers, fish and go backpacking.

She also remembers her as a loving mother to her sons Rylan and Nate, and while she was often times working two jobs, she would still always find time to get the boys to and from their activities. Jolene also had a close relationship with her nieces and loved it when they would call her Aunt Jo Jo.

Even when Jolene was going through rough times, Cori said she was always smiling and laughing and was know for what she called an illuminating smile.

"She was always full of energy and knew how to make people laugh," Cori said.

In July of 2013, Jolene was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer that is found in bones or soft tissue.

Sadly, after a courageous year-long battle with her illness, Jolene passed away Sept. 11.

Cori said that even though her sister was very sick, she never let on to her close friends and family how close to death she really was.

"She did not want anyone to feel sorry for her. She encouraged her friends throughout this last year to find reasons to smile every day," Cori said. "I'm proud of my sister for being so strong, making memories with her children and friends until the very end, even when she was to weak too, she never let on."

A benefit fundraiser has been scheduled early next month for her sons Rylan, 12, and Dylan, 5.

The fundraiser will take place Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Green River.

There will be a silent auction and raffle with one of the items a Remington 30.06 rifle.

There will be a taco bar that will cost $10 and all of the proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the two boys.

Since Jolene passed away, Cori said the support from the community has really kept our family going.

"It's amazing to see how many people have wonderful stories and memories about my sister," she said. "There've been countless people praying for Jolene and her sons. The outpouring of love has been very comforting to our family at this time," she said.

Prior to her passing away, the family had planned the fundraising event to help her battle with cancer, but now they want to the community just how important her two boys were to her.

"Jolene was such a devoted mother that the last time she was admitted to the hospital she refused to go until she got to watch Nate play in his football game.   Rylan and Jolene were extremely close, their relationship was tight and they were more like best friends than a mother and son," she said.

Donations can be made online at http://www.youcaring.com/jolenevsewingsarcoma

All donations from both fundraisers will be put in a savings account for the boys.