Zeola Leeper

Our beloved mother, Zeola Leeper, received her angel wings on November 12, 2025.

Zeola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Leeper Jr.; her brothers, Fred Leeper, Clay Leeper Sr., Kenneth Leeper, and Miller Leeper; and her sisters, Gaither Maxwell, Lula Kyle, Margaret Watterson, and Thelma Dulaney.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughter Robin (Charlie) Morgan of Kingsport, Tennessee; her sons Keith Leeper of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Randy Leeper of Mt. Carmel, Tennessee; and her sister Eleanor Louise Washington of California. She was also blessed with grandchildren April Morgan, Rashea Leeper, and Briana Leeper, who brought great joy to her heart.

She has many wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved dearly and who brought comfort throughout her illnesses.

Zeola dedicated 16 years of service as a teacher at Head Start for Hawkins and Sullivan County Schools. She was also an active storyteller at the Church Hill Library, delighting children with her warm presence and creativity.

She was a faithful member of Lyons Chapel AME Zion Church in New Canton, Tennessee, where she served in many capacities, including Superintendent of Sunday School, President of Missionaries, Secretary of Johnson City District Missionaries, Deaconess, President of the Deaconess Board, Secretary of the Church, and Secretary of the local WHOMS. She was also recognized as Honorary Mother of the Church in 2018. Her dedication to her faith and church family was unmatched.

Zeola was also a devoted volunteer at the Church Hill Community Clothes Closet, always giving her time and compassion to others. She served as Secretary of the New Canton Utility District for 17 years, demonstrating her commitment to her community, and was active at the local food bank. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Zeola was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Tennessee Vols. When not watching sports, she enjoyed game shows and playing competitive games, always with a desire to win.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to hospice services nurses, Jackie and Jessica.

Also, a special thanks to Gail Deadrick for her care, support, and friendship to Mama and our family.

Special thanks to Christ Fellowship Church Family and Friends for their prayers, kindness, and encouragement during this difficult time.

Mrs. Zeola will lie in repose from 12:00 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill for those that are not able to attend the visitation and service on Monday. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Christ Fellowship Church with Presiding Elder Pamela L. Hoard officiating. The visitation will follow from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. A graveside service will immediately follow the visitation in procession to Church Hill Memory Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Johnston, Reggie Leeper, Billy Leeper, Greg Maines, Jim Greenlee, Mark Beaty, and Jimmy Kindle. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Cox, Ronnie Cox, James Leeper, and Gary Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lyons Chapel AME Zion Church, P.O. Box 1117 Church Hill, TN 37642.