It was the vision of its founder, David Potter, who was inspired to open Eckling Grange in Dereham after witnessing the heartbreaking split of a married couple, the Griffiths. 

They had served as missionaries for 53 years but had to be separated due to Mrs Griffiths requiring nursing care.

David Potter - Picture: Eckling Grange (Image: Eckling Grange)

Mr Potter would go on to open another care home in the market town, Quebec Hall.

He was also involved with the start up of a care home in South Green which later moved to Upton House in Cromer, before his untimely death in 1980.

And it would be his second wife, Bertha Potter, who would continue to dedicate herself to her husband’s vision before her own death last month. 

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Born Bertha Rosalind Horne in nearby Mattishall, on November 3, 1923, she was the daughter of Arthur Edward Horne and Elsie Kate Fisher. 

She grew up in the local area and remained close to the village. 

But it was the time that following her marriage which put her on a course designed for bringing out the best of her personality, as her daughters, Rachel and Leah, explained.

Bertha Potter with her daughters Rachel (left) and Leah (right) - Picture: Courtesy of family (Image: Courtesy of family)

They said: “She was a very courageous person who always wanted to help. 

“She had a real heart for people and would always talk to others and visit people; a real good hostess and organiser. 

“She had a constant stream of people staying with her – from homeless people to missionaries – she just had the most amazing values and those will live on.” 

Bertha and David Potter on their wedding day in 1963 (Image: Courtesy of family)

Mr Potter’s first wife, Brenda, died in 1960 aged 49. He would go on to remarry Bertha in 1963 at Mattishall Methodist Church. 

She became stepmother to Margaret (deceased) and Beryl. The couple went on to have two more daughters; Rachel and Leah.  

Mr Potter pioneered Christian Eventide Homes in Dereham, first purchasing Quebec Hall in a derelict state and restoring it. 

Ekcling Grange circa 1960 - Picture: Ekcling Grange (Image: Ekcling Grange)

He then bought Eckling Grange, opening its doors in May of the year they married, after purchasing the building from the late Capt B. A. Smart.

A medical block was later added and was officially opened by Mrs Potter. 

And while Mr Potter was in charge of the building works, Mrs Potter's keen eye meant she was able to turn her hand to decorating the interior of the homes.

She would go on to write her memoir, a short booklet she dedicated to her husband entitled A Vision Fulfilled. The book gives an outline of the early days of the homes during the 1950s and 60s and how they came into being.

The reception area of Eckling Grange, designed by Bertha Potter during the 1960s - Picture: Eckling Grange (Image: Eckling Grange)

An extract taken, from the introduction page and written by their daughters, read: "Our father was a visionary. He could see things that others couldn't.

"By trade he was a builder and it was not unusual for him to purchase a tumbled down old barn and turn it into a beautiful dwelling.

"It was through this gift that God was able to use him to turn overgrown and dilapidated old houses into beautiful homes for retired missionaries and God's workers."

Speaking about their mother, they described her as "beloved" and said her incredible achievement of founding Eckling Grange and Quebec Hall alongside their father will live on. 

Mrs Potter died at her home in Mattishall on January 27, aged 99. A great-grandmother, she also leaves behind her stepdaughter and daughters, their husbands, and grandchildren. 

Bertha Potter at the official opening - Picture: Courtesy of family (Image: Courtesy of family)

All are welcome to attend the funeral, which will take place at Mattishall Methodist Church on Monday, February 20 at 11am. A cortège will drive through Eckling Grange at approximately 12.15pm and Quebec Hall at approximately 12.20pm, followed by interment in Dereham (Old) Cemetery.  

• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk 
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost. 

Bertha Potter with her family - Picture: Courtesy of family (Image: Courtesy of family)

Bertha Potter with her grandchildren - Picture: Courtesy of family (Image: Courtesy of family)