Christopher "Isaiah" Potter

Christopher Isaiah Potter, 24 years old, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday, July 7, 1996 to Shay Nicole Potter. He was “Isaiah” to all that knew and loved him. Isaiah was the adoring father to Zion Bear Potter and loving companion to Zion’s mom, Francesca Vazquez. He was the cherished and beloved son of Joey and Shay Surowiak, loving brother of Lexi, adored grandson of Jay and Patti Potter, nephew to his aunts and uncles that he loved dearly, a fun and most certainly loved cousin, God Son to Jeremy and Susan Robinson and a close friend to many. Isaiah was a proud member of the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe and treasured his Native American Heritage. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pauline Ridgebear Goss. Isaiah grew up in Coweta, Oklahoma and graduated from Coweta High School in 2015. He was an exemplary student, exceptional athlete, and service-minded community member. He served as vice-president of the National Junior Honor Society and was a member of the National Honor Society throughout high school. Isaiah was a member of the debate team, the archery team, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was an avid camper and was a 5-year Kamp Kanakuk attendee. Isaiah played football, basketball, track, ping-pong, and his most beloved sport…baseball. He was a focused outfielder and pitcher. Much to Joey’s dismay, he loved throwing his “infamous” knuckleball. Isaiah played on many traveling club teams and he and his family formed treasured relationships prior to making the high school baseball team. He loved his baseball brothers dearly. Isaiah always set the trend for a hew haircut and was freshly dressed. In high school, his friends selected him as “Best Dressed” multiple years in a row. A love for Jesus and education had both been instilled within Isaiah and he chose to pursue his college career at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa. Isaiah felt blessed to create a brotherhood with many of his “Vatican” brothers from ORU and treasured them dearly. He was currently a senior at ORU and was focused on his career goal of becoming an industrial psychologist. He was due to graduate in December 2021. Isaiah loved learning about unique cultures and religions and was an enthusiastic traveler. He had a special ability to decipher what made people “tick” and connect with them through their interests. Being left handed, Isaiah was blessed with a natural ability for the arts. He was gifted in both acting and singing, and was a self-taught pianist. He even successfully produced a few rap songs. Isaiah sang solos during his time of attending Liberty Freewill Baptist Church in Broken Arrow. He was a current member of Guts Church in Tulsa where he and his family began attending in 2007. Isaiah was a devoted and active member of the youth group and was highly committed to the Nightmare Ministry Production. He would wait eagerly all year for the event. On September 24, 2019, Isaiah and the love of his life, Frankie, gave birth to their son, Zion Bear Potter. Isaiah, Frankie, and Zion enjoyed singing bedtime songs, swinging, going on walks, visiting the Gathering Place and getting stylish haircuts and cool “kicks”. Isaiah spent several years as an employee for QuikTrip and the Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa. He worked as an educator, supporting children with special needs at Desert Choice Schools serving Tulsa Public Schools. Isaiah was currently employed by Trenton Public Schools as a Paraprofessional. He loved making a difference in the lives of his students. Isaiah loved to convince others to do something that he would never do…like stir up a red wasp nest or eat a ghost pepper and then laugh endlessly at their surprise and outrage. He was a profound thinker. He enjoyed challenging people’s beliefs and entering deep conversations about controversial subjects. The memory of Isaiah’s bright smile, curious mind, warm hugs, and loving heart will never be forgotten. We will forever feel the loss and emptiness of his absence. He was an old soul, wise beyond his years. Isaiah fought his battles with fierce support from everyone who loved him. He desired a purposeful life and was passionate in his beliefs. Isaiah formed deep relationships and touched the lives of everyone he met. He will forever remain in our hearts and we will treasure the gift of such precious memories. Godspeed my son…we will see you soon. – Love, Mom In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting scholarship donations be made in Isaiah's name to: Hope is Alive Ministry - 14401 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 www.GiveHIA.com or www.hopeisalive.net

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Christopher "Isaiah" Potter

July 7, 1996 - May 11, 2021