Leila Johnston Pratt

Leila pursued higher education with purpose and determination, earning her BA from Auburn and continuing on to receive her Masters and PhD from Virginia Tech. Her academic path reflected a steady courage and drive—qualities that would define a life of meaningful work and enduring influence.

In 1974, Leila began her career at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in the Economics Department, where she devoted 43 years of distinguished service before retiring in 2017. At her retirement, she held the title of the UTC Hart Professor of Economics and continued as Professor Emeritus at UTC until her death. Her academic research appeared in many academic journals, including the *Journal of Money Credit and Banking*, *Southern Economic Journal*, and *IMF Staff Papers*, among many others. Through years of disciplined research, thoughtful teaching, and steadfast leadership, she built a legacy marked by resilience and lasting professional respect.

Her impact as an educator was profound. It is estimated that over her 43 years of teaching, she influenced the minds of nearly 12,000 students in her classroom—an extraordinary reach that speaks to a life spent investing in others and shaping the future through knowledge.

Beyond the classroom, Leila also served her community with diligence and integrity as the Chairman of the City of Chattanooga Waste Water Regulation Appeals Board.

Leila’s life was also enriched by pursuits that reflected her adventurous spirit and quiet bravery. She was an avid kayaker and backpacker who loved camping and whitewater rafting. She found satisfaction in gardening and took particular enjoyment in refinishing antique furniture, bringing patience and care to the work of restoring what was worn into something valued again.

Leila is survived by two sisters, Tommie Jolley (Richard) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lavada Barnes Raouf (Wael) of Mobile, Alabama; three cherished nieces, Lila Raouf, Yasmine Raouf, and Salma Raouf; and her long-term friend, Mary L. Babian, DC.

Per her wishes, there will not be any formal funeral services nor public viewing. She will be laid to rest alongside her father in Mobile, Alabama. There will be a private family celebration of her life in Mobile at a later date.