Obituary of Jo Doris Leftwich

Jo Doris Leftwich, 96, and a life-long resident of Wilson County, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 7, at Tennova Hospital.  She was born on April 24, 1921 to the late James F. and Alta Prichard.

She was also preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, JB Leftwich; her sister, Lois Prichard Chenault; her great granddaughter, Hannah Page Wright; and son-in-law, Glyn Newton.

Jo Doris was a multi-tasker long before the term became popular.  A long-time teacher in the Lebanon School District, she would arise in the morning, prepare a full breakfast for her husband and four children and then teach school.  After school, she would go by the grocery store and then drive home to prepare another meal.  Some of those years, she also attended college classes in the evening.

She received her degree in education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1968 and later earned a degree in library science.  She taught at Lebanon Junior High School and at Sam Houston.  She also taught for a short time at Castle Heights Military Academy and at Lebanon High School. 

She was active in the Lebanon First United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School and was president of the United Methodist Women. She was also an active member of the La Coterie Women’s Club and served as its president. 

Her oldest granddaughter, Missy Newton Ridgeway, attempted to call Jo Doris, “More Mommy,” which was shortened to “Momommy.”  She was Momommy to 9 grandchildren and spouses and 16 great grandchildren as well as her other in-laws.  When her children and grandchildren visited, “Momommy” would prepare a huge breakfast with homemade biscuits.  The grandchildren would compete to see who would get the last biscuit.

She is survived by her children: Lynda Newton, Knoxville; Jim (Page) Leftwich, Starkeville, MS; Barbara Froula, Knoxville; and Jack (Debbie) Leftwich, Lebanon; grandchildren: Missy (Lynn) Ridgeway, Florence, AL; Peri (Brian) Wright, Powell, OH; Andy Newton, Mobile, AL;  Matt (Carol) Froula, Atlanta, GA; Jason (Tori) Leftwich, Nolensville; Anna (Sean Morris) Froula, Greenville, NC; Jim (Marti) Leftwich, Mobile, AL; Leigh (John) Knowles, Lebanon; and Jody (Tad) Engle, Nashville.  She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and two nieces, Betty Jo (Charles) Dedman and Ann (Jimmy) Maynard, both of Lebanon.

The family appreciates the loving care she received at Southern Manor.  A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lebanon on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 12:00 noon with visitation at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 415 West Main, Lebanon, TN, 37087.  Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN,  615.444.9393, is in charge of arrangements.