It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Dale Poteat on Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was a kind giving soul and the heart of her family. Until her final days, seeing and visiting with her granddaughters and great grandchildren brought her joy and always ended with I love you. She will be greatly missed.

Mary is a member of Lenoir Presbyterian Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and a member of various circles. Throughout the years, she was a devoted teacher at Whitnel Elementary School, an avid reader and a community volunteer devoting many hours to: American Legion Auxiliary; Caldwell Arts; Caldwell Community College Culinary Board; Caldwell County People Actively Volunteering in Education (PAVE); Caldwell County Memorial Hospital Foundation; The Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County; Lenoir City Sister Cities Association and Lenoir Service League.

When Mary wasn't teaching or volunteering, she loved spending summers at her most favorite place, Sunset Beach. She treasured those times with her family. Mary also enjoyed her time spent with friends, whether they were at Java Jewels, Birthday Club, Book Club, Garden Club, day/overnight traveling or just simple visits.

Her family would like to thank her caregivers, Patricia, Teresa, and Arlene as well as the Amorem Hospice team for all the care, support and love they provided.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Ed Poteat; daughters Julie Novak (Tim), Jennifer Franklin (Ray); granddaughters Abbie Wood (Stephen), Mary Frances Poland (Nick); great grandchildren McDonough Wood, James Wood and Juliette Poland; and sister Judy Vandenbergh.

Memorial donations may be made to Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

A memorial service will be held at Lenoir Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00pm.  Reverend Mack Jarvis will officiate.

Following the service, her family will host a reception at Cedar Rock Country Club.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Poteat family.