Mrs. Leoda Belle Johnson Brown was born July 02, 1937 in Lawrence County, TN to her parents the late Mr. George E. Johnson and Mrs. Naomi Risner Johnson. She married Joe Dillion Brown on December 24, 1955 and the two would remain married until his passing February 16, 2013. Leoda attended school in Waynesboro, Tn and during her high school years she was an avid basketball player at WCHS graduating with the class of 1955. Ever mindful of her God she accepted Jesus Christ into her life at a young age and remained a faithful Christian throughout her life. She was a member of the Philadelphia Baptist Church in Waynesboro, TN where she taught Sunday school for many years. She being community minded, was a member of several organizations, in Wayne County, She enjoyed gardening, riding horses and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Leoda Belle Johnson Brown passed from this life on April 23, 2026 at her home in Clifton, TN at the age of 88 years.
She leaves behind her children Sonya Lee Brown of Clifton, TN, Natalie Brown Nance of Clifton, TN and Stephany Brown Holt husband Sam of Collinwood, TN; sisters Bonnie Merriman and Barbara Daniel, grandchildren Amber Prater husband Tyler, Caleb Rudd, Dillion Nance, Lacy Holt, Josh Holt wife Jana; great grandchildren Aliya Conaster husband Tim, Levi Prater, Macklin Holt and Maverick Holt; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members, friends and loved ones.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by 2 of her sisters.
Graveside Services will be held Saturday April 25, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery with Craig Mason officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Philadelphia Baptist Church or the Butterfly Foundation.
