Leigh Ann Hart

A service for Leigh Ann Avery Hart was held on Saturday, June 5 at 1 p.m. at Southside church of Christ in Dresden, Tennessee. Mrs. Hart died peacefully in her home in Dresden, surrounded by family and friends on the morning of June 4, 2021. She was 62 years old. Leigh was a member of Lebanon church of Christ. She is buried at Sunset Cemetery in Dresden. Leigh was born on February 20, 1959, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Thomas L. Avery and Mary Margaret Fuqua Avery of Bartlett, TN. Leigh was the wife of a positive and supportive husband, William F. “Dickie” Hart, the stepmother of Andrew Hart of Knoxville, and the mother of Haley Margaret Hart of Dresden. She was LeLe to two precious granddaughters, Avery Leigh and Anna Margaret. In addition to her mother, Leigh is survived by a brother, Paul Joseph Avery, his wife, Shelly Napier Avery, niece Tyler Napier Avery, and nephew Austin Lee Avery, all of Bartlett Tennessee. Leigh graduated from Bartlett High School in 1977 and the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1980, where she played softball and tennis. Leigh Avery began her teaching and coaching career at Dresden Junior High School in 1980, teaching health and physical education while coaching girls basketball. Coach Leigh Hart retired from Dresden Middle School in 2019. Scotty Brewer, of Bowlin Funeral Home in Dresden, was in charge of the service, providing exceptional care for our loved one. Under the guidance of Keith and Pam Kemp, the building, fellowship hall and grounds of Southside church of Christ was a perfect setting for the service. Tina McWherter, of Murphy Florist, created the beautiful casket spray in a mixture of flowers in shades of pink, Kristin Childress gifted Coach Hart with a slideshow of photographs and music that was used during visitation. Upon Coach Hart’s request, Craig Rogers led the congregational singing of two of her favorite songs, “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and ended with “Sing and Be Happy.” Longtime friend and colleague, Mr. Mark Maddox, led the service with a wonderful tribute. Leigh’s preacher, Will Norrid, who baptized her into Christ in February 2019, spoke appropriate and comforting words to those attending the service. Leigh had chosen pallbearers, Mike Riggs, Scott Moran Mark Lee Maddox, Jeff Kelly, Scott Hewett and Phil Hutcherson. Gale Barker, Carolyn and Lanny McIntyre, Norma and Mike Parham and others from Leigh’s church home hosted a meal for family and close friends following the service. They were assisted by Woodside neighborhood friends, retired and current teacher friends and many others who brought food. Mr. Mark Maddox began the service with a prayer, a welcome, and a thanks, recognizing Leigh’s husband, Dickie, stepson, Andrew, daughter Haley, and granddaughters Avery and Anna. He also recognized Leigh’s mother, Mrs. Mary Margaret, her brother, Paul, her sister-in-law, Shelly, niece Tyler, nephew Austin and many other family members who were present including aunts, uncles and cousins from the Avery and Hart families. Leigh was blessed with family and friends who loved her and cared for her in various ways over her lifetime and especially the past 28 months. Mr. Mark gave a special thanks to Mrs. Sarah Ann Pentecost, known to the family as “Mom P,” who stepped in and played the part of grandmother to Avery and Anna when Leigh was not able to. Also, Holly Spaulding, who was Leigh’s personal nurse during the length of her illness, providing the most excellent care, as only a close friend like Nurse Holly could. Special friends who never wavered along Leigh’s health journey were Kerri Maddox and Jennifer Schlicht. Leigh trusted longtime and friend and neighbor, Angie Hewett, to carry out her wishes for funeral arrangements. Leigh was committed to her family, friends, church and community. Mark Maddox then made tribute to Leigh reminding those in attendance, “Once a Lady Lion, Always a Lady Lion.” Leigh was a legacy on the court of life. She taught us to be prepared and successful and to defend our hearts and minds. She encouraged us to take advantage of every opportunity She molded young people to be contributing members of our community. He was able to read quotes and share some thoughts from a notebook that Leigh had kept during her 28-month battle with cancer. Coach Hart lived her eulogy by the way she loved. Brother Will Norrid shared, “at the end of her journey, after 62 years, Leigh achieved the ultimate victory.” Will and Leigh bonded a close relationship over the past couple of years. He visited, talked and prayed with her many times. He learned she was an exceptional person who made a lasting impact on thousands of lives. As she transitioned to hospice, Leigh credited prayers, the power of family and friendship and a competitive spirit are what allowed her to be stronger than expected. She has won the good fight and finished the race. Leigh was faithful in using her gifts to serve others. The lessons learned from Coach Hart were not confined to be court or field. She inspired us to imitate her as she trusted in a greater power and purpose. One of Leigh’s favorite scriptures was Proverbs 3:5-6. The key to a successful life is trust. Leigh coached, managed, controlled and TRUSTED in the Lord! Cancer didn’t touch her heart, mind or soul. Leigh Avery Hart’s influence will grow, spread and carry on forever. The world was left a little bit better because she lived. We won. Through prayer and memories, we will press on forward and past our grief. At Leigh’s request, a fund has been established at Simmons Bank to benefit Avery Leigh and Anna Margaret.