Flora Jeanette Leffew

Despite her condition, she remained feisty, full of spunk on occasion, and determined to speak her mind until the words she spoke weren’t the words she meant to say. Even so, she was always able to get her point across. She made sure all of us that spent every day with her knew exactly what she meant!

Her life began in Sevier County, where as a rambunctious child she climbed trees, jumped in the creek, played with her dog, and procured her lifelong love of reading. She eventually graduated from Roane County High School and moved to Knoxville to attend business college. She graduated from college and began her 35-year civil service career with the Social Security Administration in 1962. She took great pride in helping those who had become eligible due to disability navigate the Social Security system along with the laws surrounding it.

Early retirement allowed her to live her best life. As a nature lover and avid hiker, the Great Smoky Mountains became her oasis. For quite some time, she could be found at Gregory’s Bald among the azaleas or sitting on a rock in the creek playing her harpsicord for unassuming hikers as they passed by on their way down from Abram’s Falls. The hike to Mt. Leconte and back became a favorite all day trip. Whether taking the Alum Cave trail or the Rainbow Falls trail, either way gave her the ability to connect with God. It was always in nature that she could truly see and feel His love for all of us. She spoke with Him there and she was still.

Preceded in death by her parents, Willie Edgar Ellis and Willie Mae Ross and grandparents, James (Jim) Wardell and Lou Mae Wardell. She leaves a legacy of love, stubbornness, determination, belief, and undying loyalty to her greatest accomplishments: daughter, Kimberly Leffew, grandchildren Brandon Black (Sarah), Hunter Black (Mindy), Mika Black, Melissa Hudgins (Seth), and Brian Black (Alexandria) along with six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister, Freida Darlene Love and special caregiver, Robin Jones.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Wednesday, 6/25/25, from 5pm to 7pm at Berry Highland Memorial with light hors d’oeuvres and snacks.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Nature’s Conservatory or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).