Dorothy Ann Leinbach Harris

Dorothy Ann Leinbach Harris, 93, died December 29, 2023, with family by her side in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dot was born September 17, 1930, in Rossville, Georgia to George Barron Leinbach and Alice Marie (“Polly”) Winter Leinbach. She was the third of three children, all daughters, and raised in the house that her grandfather built on top of Missionary Ridge.

Dot graduated from Rossville High School in 1948 and subsequently graduated from West Georgia College and then the University of Georgia, ninth in her class, with a major in Botany. She was selected for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Upon graduation, she married Joseph Harris, and they would enjoy 71 years together. Dot worked in numerous laboratory technician positions before and then after raising their two children, Jennifer and George. While living in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Dot also was an integral figure in the life of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. She taught 2-year-old Sunday School, was an active member and leader for UMW, and served on various committees during her time there.

In 1993, after 27 years in Stevens Point, Dot and Joe retired to Joe’s hometown in Washington, Georgia where Dot quickly became involved in a number of community organizations. She was a devoted member of the Iris Garden Club, and her passion for working in the nursing home garden led to awards from the Garden Club of Georgia and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. She joined the Washington-Wilkes Chapter of the Salvation Army and, for over 20 years, served as treasurer (organizing the bell ringers and managing the books) and case manager (working with funding individuals in need of support). She also volunteered with the Washington-Wilkes Humane Animal Shelter for many years and was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church.

Dot endured many years of declining physical health that finally led her and Joe to Birmingham, Alabama in 2021 to live with their daughter and son-in-law. She truly lived a life of service, working diligently in many positions and many locations, to make the world a better place. The number of lives she touched and positively impacted is immeasurable.

Dot is survived by her husband, Dr. Joseph Belknap Harris; daughter, Jennifer Marwitz (Brad); son, George Harris (Peggy); grandchildren, Shannon Marwitz, Leah Rowlett (Michael), Jacob Harris (Dakota), Dylan Russell, Shawn Russell, and Johnathan Russell (Melissa); great grandchildren, Bella and Liam Harris, and Aliyah, Brennan, and Emma Russell; and numerous nephews and nieces including Bonnie Allison and Jeannie Helmbright (Chip Crowell). She was preceded in death by sisters, Georgene Helmbright and Alice Green.

The family would like to thank Lashanda McClellan and Revonda McCrayer, as well as Southeast Hospice for the care they provided.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington-Wilkes Humane Animal Shelter or to the Washington-Wilkes Salvation Army (checks should be sent to The Salvation Army, 808 Spring St, Washington GA 30673).

Please sign the online registry at, www.hopkinsfuneralhome.com .

Hopkins Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.