Bobby James Leverett

Bobby “Not Robert” James Leverett, peacefully left for his long-awaited heavenly home with his GOD on January 14, 2022 at 10:11 a.m. 
 
Mr. Leverett was born to Mrs. Helen Freeman Leverett and Mr. James Ike Leverett on June 12, 1954 in Lincoln County, Georgia.
 
At an early age, Bobby learned the love of Christ from his grandmother, Eleanor Freeman-Hall. She was a devout Christian and life-long member of the Mt. Moriah FBH Church.
 
Bobby was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Paul Jones.  He would later transfer his church membership to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee and a financial supporter of the church’s Youth Ministry under the leadership of Elder Dr. Joe B. Maddox, and fraternity brother (RΩΩ).
 
Mr. Leverett’s educational path began at Cansler Elementary, Brownlow Elementary, Christenberry Junior High and graduated Fulton High School, Class of 1973.  He began his post secondary education at East Tennessee State University where he played basketball and was a three-year letterman until forfeiting his senior year.  His decision to forfeit his senior year was to focus and concentrate on his studies. Mr. Leverett earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional Services and a minor in Psychology.
 
Upon graduating ETSU, Mr. Leverett immediately set out on his career path. He gained employment with Knox County Juvenile Court as a Senior Probation Counselor.  Mr. Leverett worked with Knox County for 14 years.  He was then hired by the State of Tennessee (Department of Juvenile Justice/Department of Children Services), where he held various positions in management and administration until his retirement.  Mr. Leverett had 25 years of dedicated service with the state as a Correctional Manager IV, Team Coordinator, the first and only African- American to date to hold the position of Regional Administrator of Knox County DCS and Statewide Coordinator for Resource Linkage DCS.
 
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy Leverett; sister, Bernice Leverett and life-long friends, Thomas Strickland Sr., Eric Colen and Gary Dennis.
 
Left to cherish his memory: his beloved children, Contessa, Christa and Courtney Leverett; all of Knoxville, TN and Antone’ (AJ) Leverett of Manhattan, NY; all of whom he leaves a proud legacy of life and love.  

“I hope y’all don’t miss his late night and early morning encouraging text message.” LOL   

Others who will cherish his memory are his sisters, Eva Leverett, Seattle, WA, Mary (Oscar Sr.) Bazemore, Suffolk, VA and Debra (Dale, deceased) Arnett, Kingsport, TN; brothers, Harry (Jeana) Leverett, Lenoir City, TN and Jessie Leverett, Johnson City, TN; former wives, Hazel Leverett and Gloria Harkness Leverett; grandson, Jaxon Leverett, Knoxville, TN; a host of nieces and nephews to include Ennis and Malcolm Chapman, Natalie Leverett, Oscar Jr. and Jeanine Bazemore, Kimberly, Jessie Jr. and Jessica Leverett; best friends, Joe Armstrong, Thomas “The Tank” Strickland and Roberta Martin, along with countless others. “You all know who you are.” Thank you for your friendship, support and prayers over the years.  
 
"I must let it be known that if I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help somebody with a word or song, if I can help somebody from doing wrong, I know my living shall not be in vain.”  

Saturday, January 22, 2022, a public walkthrough is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Cecil Avenue, Knoxville, TN. Social distancing and face coverings required. A Celebration of Life and Legacy will follow for immediate family and close friends. Elder Dr. Joe B. Maddox will officiate. Interment at Mount Olive Cemetery where a white dove release will conclude the service. Flowers may be delivered to the church prior to the walkthrough. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.
 

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