It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of a long-time Skyland friend and colleague.

After a brief illness, Marietta “Potts” Clark passed away on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2016. She was 74 years old.

Potts was a long time friend, staff member, and mentor at Skyland Camp for Girls. She joined the Skyland community in 1961 as a 19-year old horseback-riding counselor and has been a part of Skyland ever since. She supported the Skyland community and Brown family as a dear friend and colleague.

Through the years, Potts served various roles, primarily as a riding counselor, summer riding supervisor and a member of Skyland’s administrative team. Most recently, since retiring from summer camp duties, Potts continued to serve the riding program in many ways throughout the year. She was a partner during weekend retreat programs and served as the primary equine consultant when horses fell ill or needed a bit of extra attention. She also helped manage Skyland’s winter-time horse leasing program and helped to locate kind and reliable horses that would be perfect for Skyland’s riding program.

A life-long educator, Potts brought her passion for youth development to Skyland Hill. More than anything else, Potts loved sharing her humor with all who were in her presence, and she thrived on sharing her love of horses with budding equestrians.

A Skyland alumna, while reflecting on her time in Skyland’s riding ring, shared that Potts was able to inspire confidence that no other riding instructor had, or has since, been able to impart. We shall all miss her presence, dedication and love of all-things-Skyland.

The family has chosen cremation and will hold a private service at a later date. Skyland will celebrate her life, along with the lives of other Skylanders who have gone before her, at a Memorial Service at Skyland’s Centennial Celebration in August 2017.

The family shared that, instead of flowers, Potts would want to “get more girls to Skyland.” Through the years, they loved listening to her stories of working with campers, and adored watching Potts beam with pride as she shared Skyland barn stories.

Those interested in honoring Potts and her legacy may make a one-time or recurring donation to Skyland’s Campership Fund.