Jo Ann Leaphart

Jo Ann Perkins Leaphart (90) wife of the late Joseph Kirk Leaphart Sr., died on July 6th. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Carson Perkins and Minnie Ruth Perkins. She grew up in the small town of Nashville, Georgia.

During her childhood, she cherished small town life, enjoyed riding her horse, Strawberry, driving her Grandfather’s car at age 14 and playing high school basketball. At an early age, she accepted Christ and began her life as a faithful servant of God.

As a young adult, she attended and graduated from Furman University where she was student body president. There, she met Joe, also a Furman graduate, and they were married for 68 years. After college, she worked for First Federal and later as a realtor for C. Dan Joyner Company.

During her life, she was involved in civic activities was an avid tennis player and enjoyed bridge. She spent a considerable amount time doing God’s work at her church, where she taught third grade Sunday School and served on various committees. She was the epitome of a southern Christian lady who lived her life as an example for us all. She was a deeply devoted wife and mother and also enjoyed traveling, spending time at Litchfield and tending to her garden and plants. They lived their later years in Beaufort, South Carolina.

She is survived by a daughter and two sons: Christie Leaphart Mauritz (Bob) of Beaufort, South Carolina, Mark Leaphart (Carol) of Greer, South Carolina, Kirk Leaphart (Joan) of Columbia, South Carolina. There are nine grandchildren: Evan Mauritz (Chyna) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Connor Mauritz of Beaufort, South Carolina, Carlen Leaphart Crowe (Jaye) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Carson Leaphart of Greer, South Carolina, Caleb Leaphart of Irving, Texas, Clark Leaphart of Greer, South Carolina, Philip Leaphart (Callie) of Charleston, South Carolina, Ryan Leaphart of Denver, Colorado and Rachel Leaphart Backman (Caleb) of Lexington, South Carolina. There are four great grandchildren. Also, surviving is a brother, Dane Perkins (Danita) of Nashville, Georgia and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Jo Beth Perkins Holcombe.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 12 , 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations Woodlawn Memorial, 1 Pine Knoll Dr. Greenville, SC 29609. A private graveside service will be held in Woodlawn Memorial Park.