Judy Claire Leech Dobbs

Judy Claire Leech Dobbs, advocate, mentor, fundraiser, devoted mother to many, community and school supporter, inclusive spirit, and wholehearted giver, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2022, at her home in Amory, MS.

Judy was born on July 22, 1948, in Amory to longtime North Mississippi educators Wayne Charles and Bessie Inez Bourland Leech. She spent her formative years in Pontotoc, MS. Upon high school graduation, Judy attended and graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi where she was a member of the University Concert Singers and was an active member of Delta Gamma sorority, a bond that she carried on for many other young women, including her daughters. At Ole Miss she met and married Carter Dobbs, Jr. of Calhoun City, MS.

The young couple moved to Amory, where Carter started his law practice, and Judy taught elementary school. Together, they enthusiastically threw themselves into helping the community. Early on in their marriage, Judy enjoyed singing in the chancel choir of First United Methodist Church, being a member of the Junior Auxiliary, and strongly supported the Amory Swim Association.

Judy really shined in her work for education. Her love and desire to advocate for education came naturally and her passion endured throughout her lifetime. She would drop everything to help and champion anyone who needed her. She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for education over the years and made an enduring impact upon the Mary Nell Haskell Scholarship Program.

Judy also had an appreciation for the arts and history. She loved supporting musical theater productions at Amory High School, and she worked tirelessly as an organizer and fundraiser to preserve and sustain the integrity of the Windows of Amory, one of the town’s oldest structures.

Judy’s philosophy on life was, “God intends for us to have a party, and to make sure everyone is invited.” She had sophisticated taste and was a hostess extraordinaire. She could light up a gathering, whether it be in the Grove at Ole Miss, at a social event, or in her home. Judy always made everyone around her feel loved and included. She fiercely loved her family and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Bettye Neal Leech. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Carter Dobbs, Jr.; her daughters, Kathleen Bourland Dobbs of Ridgeland, MS (significant other, Blake Jordan of Brandon, MS) and Claire Elizabeth Dobbs of Gulfport, MS; and her sons, Solon Carter Dobbs III of New Orleans, LA, and Benjamin Leech Dobbs of New York City. She also is survived by her “twin blessing,” grandchildren Adeline Claire Dobbs and Solon Carter Dobbs IV, their mother, Lyndi Putnam Dobbs of New Orleans, LA; and her “daughters in love,” Vickie Nowell, Hope Ladner, Gena Mattison Glenn, and Tonia (Bo) Braylock.

Judy’s funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Amory with a 2:00 p.m. visitation, and a 3:00 p.m. funeral, followed by a graveside service at the Masonic Cemetery in Amory, MS. Pallbearers for her final earthly celebration are Kaquan Braylock, Hob Bryan, Jimmy Gage Dobbs, Frank Durrett, Mattison Glenn, Ochoosun Hughes, Blake Jordan, Skip Miles, Jimmy Nowell, Larry Pickle, and Dan Swink. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Board of Directors of the Windows of Amory.

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church of Amory, 107 3rd St. S, Amory, MS 38821, http://fumcamory.org/ ; or the Windows of Amory, c/o Create Foundation, P.O. Box 1053, Tupelo, MS 38802, https://createfoundation.com/ .