With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Jo-ann Frances Lockwood Leathers, who peacefully gained her angel wings on October 25, 2025, at Seawood Private Care Home in Roswell, Georgia. She was 90 years old.
Born on November 23, 1934, in Fernandina Beach, Florida (now known as Amelia Island), Jo-ann was the youngest of three children born to Frances Brooks Lockwood and Robert Barr Lockwood, Sr. She moved to Georgia in the early 1950s to attend both the University of Georgia and Brenau College, where she began building her life.
In 1960, Jo-ann met and married Sutton “Turner” Leathers, Jr. Over the years, they lived in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Roswell, before settling in the Polo Fields community in Cumming, for 34 years. Jo-ann and Turner were blessed with five children and later welcomed four grandchildren. After raising her family, Jo-ann enjoyed a career in banking as a Customer Relations Manager for 17 years, where her friendly smile and caring spirit made a lasting impression on her colleagues and customers.
Jo-ann was a long-time member of Johns Creek Baptist Church and treasured her time with the Bowen Sunday School Class. Once she was no longer able to attend Sunday School, the Johns Creek Baptist Church Homebound Ministry visited her regularly for many years to minister to her and her family.
Jo-ann found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader and enjoyed attending Church, watching her favorite Lifetime movies, playing card games on her computer, traveling, dining out and spending time with family.
Jo-ann’s legacy of love lives on through her children: Fran Barnes, Mary Leathers, Scott Leathers, Julie Gardner and Carolyn Matulich; her sons-in-law Jeff Gardner and Christian Matulich; and her grandchildren Josh Gardner, Hayden Gardner, Carter Matulich, and Olivia Matulich.
She is also survived by her nephews Charles Lockwood and Calvin Lockwood; nieces Bonnie Morton, Terrie LaBelle, and Jackie Gibson; cousins David Butler and wife Georgia and John Butler and wife Mary; and sister-in-law Mary Ann Leathers.
Jo-ann was predeceased by her husband S. Turner Leathers, Jr.; her brothers David Lockwood and Robert Barr “Bobby” Lockwood, Jr.; sisters-in-law Dean Lockwood, Betty Lockwood, and Jeanette Leathers; and brother-in-law Jack Leathers.
A Celebration of Life Service and Reception for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. A private burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Deacon’s Homebound Ministry at Johns Creek Baptist Church.
