Jo Leatherwood

Laural Jo Deaton Leatherwood (1943-2026) Born to Guy Wallace Deaton and Madeline Cunningham Deaton on November 27th, 1943 in Atlanta, Georgia. Jo lived her life as a gift to others. She is remembered for her irrepressible joy and a laugh that served as a soundtrack for some of our happiest memories. She moved through the world with a generous, nurturing spirit, brightening every life she touched with her genuine warmth and love. Jo entered into rest on May 12, 2026 at the age of 82 in the presence of loved ones. Jo met the love of her life Bobby Herbert Leatherwood at Jonesboro High School. Their love story quickly evolved as she fell head over heels for "that skinny boy out on the ball field." They married secretly on February 21st, 1964. The following summer they "eloped" for a honeymoon which made everyone believe that their actual wedding date was in July. The truth wasn't revealed until 30 years later and is now a favorite family story. They lived in Riverdale, Georgia for around 50 years where they raised their five children: Barry, Paula, Matt, Robb, and Daniel. While Jo's resume didn't list a corporate title, she held the most vital roles imaginable: Team Mom, Room Mom, and the tireless heartbeat of every school play and sideline. She was fully immersed in her children's world, transforming every opportunity into a celebration of her unwavering devotion. She was the quintessential 'Second Mom' to all her children's friends. Welcoming everyone into her heart and home and making sure they were well fed, encouraged, loved, prayed for, and supported. Her love and dedication to her family only grew stronger as she welcomed 15 grandchildren into the Leatherwood family. Though she loved watching the Braves, Falcons, Georgia Bulldogs, baking treats, blessing others through various ministries she and Bobby participated in-her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandkids. Meemaw's sweet personality was only surpassed by the level of sweet treats and bags of goodies that she loved to spoil the grandkids with. Jo's life was a living testament to her unwavering faith; a journey defined by her deep love for the Lord and a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone she met. She didn't just speak of her beliefs, she lived them out through a radical generosity, serving tirelessly in food ministries and finding profound joy in meeting the physical, spiritual, and financial needs of others. To spend even a few moments with Jo was to hear of God's goodness, as she naturally wove scripture and testimony into every conversation. As a mother and grandmother, she was the ultimate encourager, diligently instilling the Word of God into her family's hearts-whether during the morning school drive, at bedtime, or in the quiet moments of the day-with the singular prayer that her children would walk closely with the Lord all their lives. Laural Jo is survived by her husband, Bobby Leatherwood; her son, Barry Leatherwood; her daughter, Paula Kelley and husband Kent; her sons, Matt Leatherwood and wife Andrea, Robb Leatherwood and wife Katie, and Daniel Leatherwood and wife Brittany; as well as her brother, Johnny Deaton and his wife Marlene. Her 15 grandchildren include: Andrew, Catie, Kayla, Mills, Gabe, Jeshua, Cooper, Ean, Brielle, Emmerson, Khloey-Anne, Owen, Beckett, Theodore, Addalynn, Everett, and Ellyanna, who will forever carry her legacy of joy. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm at McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 38 Jackson St., Newnan, GA. Funeral services for Jo will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Crossroads Church (the Hwy 154 campus), 2564 GA Hwy 154, Newnan, GA 30265. The family will receive friends during the hour before the service. They also invite you to stay for food & fellowship immediately following the funeral service. Burial will follow on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery (formerly the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery), 6390 Riverdale Rd. (Hwy 139), Riverdale, GA 30274. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Jo Leatherwood

November 27, 1943 - May 12, 2026