Rochelle Bower Potter

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rochelle Bower Potter – a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, and friend – who passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 16, 2024. Born on January 7, 1977, Rochelle was the light of everyone’s life and a joy to all those who knew her.

Rochelle’s life was a testament to her strength, courage, and love of family. She heroically battled a rare form of leukemia with a smile on her face and never allowed it to define her. In a way, she has beaten cancer on her own terms – never allowing it to beat her down and destroy her optimism. Her bravery and resilience throughout this journey inspired everyone around her. Through it all, she continued to serve those around her, always making sure that everyone else was happy and whole – and she kept them smiling all the while.

Rochelle’s love for family was endless. She was a devoted wife to her soulmate of nearly 20 years, Drew, and an adoring mother to her children, Mia and Daniel, whom she was proud of each and every day. Rochelle thrived off of her husband and children’s accomplishments. She went to every sporting event that her children played in and every game that her husband coached. She was beyond proud of her children’s academics and extracurricular activities – whether it was cheering on Mia’s greatness on the lacrosse field at Salem High School or being the world’s biggest fan of Daniel’s cookie and bracelet business that he co-founded with his best friend, Marley, of which all the proceeds have gone directly towards Rochelle’s treatment (Southern Cookies and Bracelets for a CAUSE and a CURE). If asked how she was, Rochelle would always begin with stories of her family’s recent accomplishments. Whether she was off traveling with her family, or simply relaxing at home, wherever she was with family was where she was happiest. Additionally, Rochelle was a loving fur momma to her beloved, Winston Arlo. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved them immeasurably.
Also left to cherish her memory are her parents, Michael and Glenna, who stayed by her bedside during her hospital stays. Rochelle was also the cherished eldest sister to Brian (Sally), Jared (Alice), Chad (Amanda), and Camille (Lynn). The siblings were as close as siblings could be – they spent countless hours together, kept each other laughing, and remained in constant contact with one another through their group messaging thread. Their bond will never be broken. The joys of being a sister was further enriched by many tiny feet in the form of adored nieces and nephews: Liliana, Grant, Sophia, Dale, Cullen, and Chandler. Their presence sent an immediate smile to Rochelle’s face, and she treasured each moment with them. Rochelle’s family loved her tremendously and will continue to hold those happy memories close.
Along with her immediate family, Rochelle blessed another close-knit family of in-laws – including father-in-law, Jim, who proceeds her in death, mother-in-law, Kay, and sisters-in-law, Holli, Wendi, and Lesli (Chris), accompanied by many nieces and nephews: Nicholas, Ian, Dakotah, Tanner, Kerrigan, and Aidan. Rochelle very much loved her second family and was the life of any family gathering.

Additionally, Rochelle enjoyed many close relationships with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Those left earthside will forever honor the beautiful memories that they have created with her. Rochelle valued all her family and friends and held those bonds deep within her heart. She was very much a “family first” person and never hesitated to put others before herself.

There are truly not enough words to describe just who Rochelle was. Her essence was kind, wild, witty, and quirky. Her presence made any event more festive, and she’d make sure that everyone felt welcome. Her siblings agree that they would not be the person that they are today without her wisdom and guidance. Rochelle loved to laugh, she loved to tell jokes, and she loved to love. Always up for an adventure, you could count on Rochelle to make plans for a wild activity in record time. Rochelle loved to host holiday parties and gatherings for family and friends, and you could always count on her to prepare something delicious as a meal. She was the glue that held everyone together and the ringleader of any group that she was a part of. She picked people up when they were down and checked in on people “just because.” Rochelle loved celebrating birthdays and special events – you could always count on her to go all out on celebrations. She truly was a special person.

Rochelle loved to learn as she regarded education as one of the major pillars of her life. After graduating with honors from Franklin County High School, Rochelle put herself through college and graduated with honors at Ferrum College. And, true to form, Rochelle then decided to further her education and received her master’s degree – in the midst of juggling being a wife, mother, and co-owner of her own business, Phoenix, LLC. Rochelle always strived for greatness and was a role model to not only her family, but to so many more people who looked up to her.

Selfless is the adjective that would best describe Rochelle. She spent her career as a mental health clinician, working within her community to assure that those less fortunate had their needs met. Her compassion towards those that she helped was obvious. She was a beacon of hope to so many and spent many waking hours ensuring that her clients were safe, healthy, and taken care of – no matter what time of day. Not only was she a nurturer to her family, but she was to so many more that were mere strangers to her. Rochelle encouraged those around her to reach for the stars and her profound effect will forever be instilled in those whose lives she touched.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support that has been received throughout Rochelle’s diagnosis and journey. We will never be able to thank each of you but please know that your thoughts, prayers, and strength during this process has been felt and is appreciated by the entire family. Rochelle knew how much she was loved, and your compassion further solidified that for her. Though we mourn her passing, we are also celebrating the life that she led and the significant impact that she left on our hearts.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Rochelle’s life. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Funeral Home, Salem, with Pastor Hilton Jeffreys officiating. The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rochelle will never be forgotten – her memory lives on with her husband, children, family, and friends. Although she is not with us physically, we know that she will be with us spiritually throughout our lives and will certainly not miss any of her family’s milestones moving forward. We take solace in knowing that she is now healed, happy, and getting reacquainted with those who have proceeded her in passing on. While we grieve, we are grateful that she is whole once more and is now a guardian angel for so many. She touched countless people’s lives, and the family is proud of who she was as a person. Rochelle would want to remind everyone to make sure to live your life to the fullest, love those around you to the greatest ability, and above all, be kind to everyone – you never know what battles someone may be facing. Tell those who matter that you love them each day and never regret a single day. We love you and we will see you again soon, Rochelle.