Dorothy Leathers

Dorothy “Dot” Leathers peacefully passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Regency Retirement Village of Jackson, where she lived for the last nine months. Born at home on September 11, 1933, in Brownsville, TN, she was one of eight children born to the late Calvin and Pearl Sullivan. Dot's legacy is one marked by unwavering love, faith, and a commitment to family, friends, and her church, making a significant impact on the lives of all who knew her.

Dot was a pillar of strength and grace, known for her strong-willed nature and independent spirit, and never accepting “no” as an answer. She navigated life's challenges with quiet, persistent strength and composure, leaving those around her in awe of her resilience. She approached all things prayerfully and demonstrated her steadfast faith.

A true embodiment of Southern charm, her friends and family fondly remember the laughter she could bring into every room. Dot always looked and acted younger than her age, and was known for her impeccable sense of style, always fashionably dressed and radiating confidence and flair, which is epitomized in her famous motto, “It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look!”

She was introduced to her late husband, Kenneth, by a mutual friend, and together they built a legacy rooted in love and service that inspired many. Devoted to her faith, Dot was a prayer warrior dedicated to the Lord and her church community. Her dedication was palpable through her years of service at West Jackson Baptist Church, where she and Kenneth became members in 1960.

For decades, she lovingly taught 1st grade Sunday School, nurturing countless young hearts. She held numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Woman's Missionary Union and leading the GROW Outreach "R" Team alongside Kenneth. Dot served as a Trustee and was an active member in several church committees, including two pastoral search committees. Her dedication to her church family was evident as her own family was faithfully present whenever the church doors were open. She was a beloved member of the Legacy Bible Study class. A supporter of Union University, she was former member of the Women’s Auxiliary and could be seen cheering at the Lady Bulldogs basketball games and making friends.

Throughout her life, Dot embraced her role as a homemaker, finding joy in entertaining friends and family, often hosting gatherings that became cherished memories. Her passion for hospitality knew no bounds; friends, church family, and many brides-to-be were touched by her warmth and generosity. Dot's love for family was apparent in her annual beach trips with her sister, niece, and daughters, where laughter and joy were abundant. She had a passion for working in her yard and planting colorful flowers which reflected her personality.

Those to forever cherish her memory are her children, Judy Arrington and her husband Bob of Jackson, TN, Kenny Leathers and wife Melissa of Mason, OH, and Janet Leathers of Jackson, TN. She was lovingly known as Mama Dot to her grandchildren, Will Leathers and wife Kaylee, Scott Leathers, and Kate Leathers, and soon-to-be great-grandchild William Kenneth Leathers IV, who is expected to arrive in a few weeks.

Dot shared a special bond with her youngest sister, Shirley Wallace of Brownsville, TN and a beloved niece Gwen Harden and husband Bo, along with many other nieces, nephews, and countless friends and family who adored her. She will also be greatly missed by Ken Luckett, of Jackson, TN, who has been a loyal companion to Dot for the last 4 years, bringing her joy and encouragement.

Those preceding her in death are her loving husband of 62 years, Kenneth Leathers, brothers, James Sullivan, Bobby Sullivan, Bo Sullivan, and Billy Sullivan, along with her sisters, Ruth Davis and Margaret Schoffner.

SERVICE: The funeral service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with Rev. Andy Neeley and Dr. Maurice Hollingsworth officiating. Visitation with friends and family will be prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Following the service, she will be laid to rest next to Kenneth at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers to serve are Carroll Griffin, Mark Yates, Mike Tankersley, Bob Bond, Levoy Castellaw, Scott Leathers, Will Leathers, and Bob Arrington.

The family asks that any memorials be directed to West Jackson Baptist Church, 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.westjacksonbc.org or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Regency Retirement Village and AseraCare Hospice for their kindness and care shown over the past months.

Dorothy Leathers touched many lives during her time on earth. A gentle reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived, her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will linger in the hearts of all who knew her.

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