Barbara S. Lesley

Barbara was born on April 27, 1932, in Jackson, MS to Hugh O’Neil Smith and Alice Briscoe Smith. As a graduate of Central High School in Jackson, MS, she went on to attend Millsaps College and became an active member of Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She was a member of the Junior League of Jackson, MS, the Junior League of Ft. Smith, AR, and the Debutante Club of MS. She was a member of Galloway Memorial Methodist Church in Jackson, MS. She later joined First Presbyterian Church after her marriage. She joined Northminster Presbyterian Church after moving to Chattanooga in 1969, sang in the choir, and served as an elder. She was a dedicated educator and taught for eight years in Mississippi and twenty-seven in Hamilton County, TN. She received her Educational Administration Master's degree from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, TN. After retiring from the classroom, Barbara volunteered with READ Chattanooga, a literacy initiative to help adults learn to read.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Alice Smith.

She is survived by her children Alice Lesley Leroy (Gary), of Chattanooga, John B. Lesley of Chickamauga, GA, and Gene (Stephanie) Lesley, of Chickamauga, GA, and two grandchildren, Christin (Chris) Davis, and Tori (Derek) Montecalvo, and four great-grandchildren, and her sister Elizabeth (Ben) Jaco, of Knoxville, TN, and two nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm on Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at the sanctuary of Northminster Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, 4791 Hal Drive, with the service starting at 2 pm. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall until 4 pm.

Please make memorials to Northminster Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, TN, or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com for the Lesley family.