On Sunday March 14th 2021 Elaine C. Poteete, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and grandmother passed away at the age of 84
Raised by a single mother (Fern) — with great influence from her grandmother and ‘very Irish’ grandfather — Elaine took pride in her Shanty Irish roots, which meant facing life’s challenges head-on, and always pulling herself up by her bootstraps. As a mother, she raised her children with the same mindset: encouraging them to read and use proper manners, and teaching them to ‘always know what the third fork’ was for. Elaine always put family first and took pride in the extended family she shard with her adoring husband (and best friend) for 33 years, Alfred. She will be dearly missed by many!
Elaine graduated from Roosevelt High School in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she developed a passion for reading and communication — skills that carried her through her long career as a receptionist for many top advertising firms in the Saint Louis area. True to form, Elaine’s charm and kindness often found her working face-to-face with notable clients, like former members of her beloved Saint Louis Cardinals — often to her disbelief, which she’d openly voice on the phone to amused ballplayers reduced to rattling off batting statistics to prove their identity. Her love of Saint Louis was not limited to the Cardinals – every few weeks, she and her ‘Lunch Gang’ would try a new restaurant in the city (doubling back for frozen treats at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard), and she was a proud season ticket holder at the Muny, frequently taking her grandchildren to outdoor productions of Aladdin, Annie, the Wizard of Oz, and more. (She, of course, loved to spoil her grandchildren with treats, and always had a jar full of candy, a refrigerator full of soda, and a box full of donuts for them at all their visits.)
A lover of fashion, Elaine spent her retirement working at various clothing retailers in the Saint Louis area, often working as a personal shopper, putting her keen eye and love of color to work. She was fearless in her choices, and even dyed her hair purple late in life — just to give something new a try.
Elaine loved the Lord and often spoke on how blessed she was; stating that her most cherished blessing was her family. Elaine is survived by her husband Al Poteete, who adored her completely; her children, Dan (Mary Beth) Lovelace, Joan (Henry Bangert) Lovelace, and Henry Lovelace; her grandchildren Alex Lovelace, Donnie (Toni) Lovelace, Eric Lovelace, Jonathan (Dr. Tripti Soni) Abrams, and Samantha (Brian Cobb) Abrams; along with her step-children Kathy (Russ) Holden, Bill (Gale) Poteete, Dana (Jeff) Nelson, and Debbie (Jimmy) Nelson, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorial visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, on Saturday, March 20 from 1 pm until Memorial service at 2 pm. Private interment at J.B. National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes contributions to be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association. https://www.lbda.org/
Elaine will be missed and was like a second mom to me as Joan and I went through college. I will always remember her fashion, beauty and willingness to try anything. I remember like yesterday when her and Joan visited me in Los Angeles. She was part of Joan and part of my life for over 40 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Love, Mellody Bose
Joan, Henry and Don
I always enjoyed her company. A wonderful woman.
Elaine was such a kind hearted person. I will never forget her genuine kindness to my father Bill Abrams, sending him cards each and every week while he was in an Alzheimer’s unit. He loved getting mail. She had a beautiful spirit that will continue on in her wonderful children and grandchildren. She will be missed by all; but we were the lucky ones to have known her.
Please accept our condolences for your loss. The face of a family will change, but time cannot erode the memories that family creates. Be strong, stay safe.
Elaine always had a smile and kind word. When visiting as a new member of the family she would pull me into conversation and could be heard laughing with joy, surrounded by family. She was warm, caring and someone I look forward to seeing. May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to her children, grandchildren and all who loved her.
Love, Linda Bisberg
Although I didn’t know her I know the daughter she raised, Joan. Mom must have been so proud of you Joan
I’m truly sorry and that just broke my heart.
I am so very grateful for the family gatherings at Joan and Henry’s where I met Elaine and Al. She was a gracious lady and I enjoyed knowing her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as they walk through this loss. Hugs to you all.
With deepest sympathy to Jonathan and Tripti on your loss of your grandmother . Our prayers and thought are with you and your family.
Dear Aunt Joan, Sammy, Jonathan, and all the family. We’re so sorry for this loss and wish everyone the best in celebrating Elaine’s remarkable life. With much love, Eliot & Jane.