Kendra Rae Potter (Gaskins), 30, peacefully left this life on March 18, 2017, in Knoxville, TN, after a long and courageous battle with addiction.  She was a dedicated mother, a loyal "shipmate" to other Navy veterans, and a loving daughter and sister.  She was a compassionate woman that most were proud to call "friend."

From a young age, Kendra was an adventurous soul -- forever marching to the beat of her own drum.  She will be remembered for her sense of humor and her contagious laughter, but also for her dogged determination.  A battle-hardened veteran of the Libyan Crisis, Kendra was proud of her service to her country and the United States Navy.  However, Kendra was quick to remind all that her greatest accomplishment in life was her son, and her greatest duty was being a mother.

Kendra was a world traveler thanks to her sailing days.  She loved a good old-fashioned sad country song, and enjoyed telling funny stories (usually laughing before getting to the punchline). Although she had personal struggles, Kendra made peace with God and recently rededicated her life to the Lord, helping numerous others along their paths to recovery.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Hugh Dawson Gaskins, her father, Steven Ralph Gaskins; and her grandmother, Caroline Sue Doss, all of Point Pleasant, WV.

She is survived by her son, Aiden Hugh Potter, 7, of Knoxville, TN; her mother, Rhonda S. Martin of Knoxville, TN; her stepfather, Timothy A. Martin of Point Pleasant, WV; her grandmother, Laura Jane Gaskins of Point Pleasant, WV; her grandfather, Bruce Doss of Point Pleasant, WV; her sister, Crystal Mayes (husband Thomas Mayes) of Point Pleasant, WV; her brother, Seth S. Gaskins (wife Chelsea Walker-Gaskins) of Charleston, WV; her sister, Crissy Martin of Columbus, OH; and her brother, Scott Martin (wife Shaylene Martin) of Copperas Cove, Texas.  She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who love her dearly.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Deal Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, WV for all who wish to celebrate Kendra's life.  A funeral service with full military honors will resume on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Bellemead United Methodist Church, Pastor Chip Bennett officiating, at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral procession to her final resting place at Forest Hills Cemetery.