Thomas A. "Thom" Potts

Thomas A. Potts, 65, of Charles Town, WV, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024. Mr. Potts was born on November 21, 1959, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of Hubert Thomas Potts and Eleanor Louise Steed Potts. He is survived by his partner, Richard Seckinger; his brother, Bruce Potts (partner Kyle Hibbitts); his cousin Diane Williams (Lloyd Williams) and her family; his special feline companions Jack and Jake; as well as many friends. He was also blessed by many colleagues, former students, and their families who also became good friends. Having grown up in Front Royal, Virginia, Mr. Potts graduated from Warren County High School in the Class of 1977. He earned a B.A. with High Distinction in French and History from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, an M.S. in Education with Emphasis in Teaching from Shenandoah University in Winchester, and an M.A. in Foreign Languages with Emphasis in French from George Mason University in Fairfax. Mr. Potts also studied abroad numerous times, in Angers, France; Trois-Rivières, Québec; and Trois-Pistoles, Québec. Mr. Potts devoted a 42-year career in education to Clarke County Public Schools in Berryville, VA. At various points during that time, he taught French language, from exploratory courses at the middle-school level through Honors French VI at the high school level; he served as an adjunct instructor in French for dual enrollment at Laurel Ridge Community College; he coordinated Clarke's International Baccalaureate Diploma Program; he co-coordinated Clarke's dual enrollment programs with Laurel Ridge and Shenandoah University; he coordinated Clarke's Bridge Program with James Madison University; he established and taught Clarke's first Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow program; he co-sponsored the CCHS Scholastic Bowl team through numerous winning seasons; and he co-sponsored the CCHS GSA in support of LGBTQ+ students and allies. Outside of work, Mr. Potts enjoyed numerous activities. With Richard, he loved to plan and carry out summer travel, especially to New Orleans, to the American West and Southwest, and of course to the Jersey Shore for an annual beach pilgrimage. He was an avid amateur photographer who won several awards for his photography work. He loved all kinds of animals and never wanted to be without at least one pet; he became an enthusiastic cyclist, runner, and yoga, he loved cooking and experimenting with new recipes; and he thoroughly enjoyed reading, all sorts of puzzles and games, and any type of technological gadget. He also took a special pleasure in being artistic with fashion and dressing well. Mr. Potts belonged to the Unitarian-Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley while living in Winchester. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Clarke County Education Foundation PO Box 1252 Berryville, VA, 22611 or the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County at PO Box 147 Charles Town, WV 25414. A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 in the Clarke County High School's auditorium 627 Mosby Blvd, Berryville, VA. Friends will be received from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. All are welcome, and there will be an opportunity to share a brief memory of or anecdote about Mr. Potts from any guest who wishes to do so.

Thomas A. "Thom" Potts

November 21, 1959 - December 22, 2024