Newest road in Cornelius, Nannie Potts Lane, opens with ribbon-cutting, family, officials
Commissioner Thurman Ross remembers Nannie Potts as Mayor Washam looks on
Aug. 27. By Dave Yochum. As a deer bolted from one side of Nannie Potts Lane to the other, town officials and members and friends of the Potts family dedicated Cornelius’ newest road, one that will ultimately help connect Hwy 21 to Hwy 115/Main Street, south of Catawba Avenue.
The road is named for the first female African American mayor of Cornelius.
Nannie received Business Today’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Town Commissioner Thurman Ross said the late civic leader was his mentor. Other politicians said she was the go-to person when they were considering their first run for public office.
NC Rep. Chaz Beasley said she was a “true trailblazer” in Mecklenburg County.
Potts was elected to the Town Board in 1980, and became mayor pro team because she got the most votes. When Mayor Wesley Rood suddenly quit, Nannie became mayor, serving from 1982-1983. She didn’t want to run for mayor again, but was elected as a commissioner.
“Thank you for sharing her,” Ross told members of the Potts family.
Mickey Potts, her husband, said she was a non-stop community servant. In addition to starting an after-school reading program for at-risk kids, she was a faithful member and church lady at Torrence Chapel AME Zion as well as well as a teacher in Iredell County schools.
At the end of the ceremony dozens of cars containing members of the Potts family, friends, police and fire fighters joined in a parade down the new road. Mayor Woody Washam waved and greeted each one as they passed.
Mickey Potts, the late mayor’s husband, addresses dedication ceremony
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She was also am amazing caterer, when I would host luncheons for Realtors, if I said Nanny & Vertie were catering the turn out was guaranteed to be good and the conversation even better.
She guided a lot of students in the right direction at South Iredell High School. For that we are grateful. She was loved by All.
So proud to say the integrity and values she instilled in me all those years ago still determine some actions I chose today.
There was nobody like Nannie Potts. She was the Class of 79’s favorite teacher at SIHS. What a talented and funny LADY. and she was a LADY all the time. Mrs. Potts taught us about more than History, she taught us about Life. This little road will mean so much to her family and friends…
She did so much for the Smithville Community. If you needed anything, you could always call on Mrs. Potts.
We are all better citizens and students because of the unselfish devotion Mrs Potts had for us ALL
A great tribute to a very deserving woman
Nannie Pots was a caring person to all. I never forget the things she did in the community for my daughter at a young age when traveling playing sports.Thank you Pots Family.
The picture identifying John Bradford incorrectly identifies him as NC Representative. Please state “former” or “candidate” as he does not currently hold office.