PIONEER AWARD

pioneers in the field

Jack and Joyce Leverett are true visionaries in the community. From chairing the Bainbridge College Foundation to fund raising for the Arts, the couple has done it all.

Jack and Joyce Leverett grew up in neighboring communities outside of Moultrie, Georgia. Th ey attended the same elementary and high school and started dating their Senior year of high school. (fun fact- their fi rst date was to a donkey basketball game of April Fool’s day!). Th ey married in 1959 - 63 years ago this year! Joyce graduated from Mercer University and taught 4th grade in Dekalb County. Jack attended Barnsville Military College, the University of Georgia and graduated Dental School at Emory University. Aft er dental school, Jack was commissioned as an offi cer in the US Air Force and was stationed at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

Upon leaving the Air Force as a Captain, Jack looked at several places to practice dentistry. He wanted a small town with hunting and fi shing close at hand. Since Bainbridge needed a dentist and the local dentist, Jake Nichols and Oscar Jackson, encouraged him to come and the hunting and fi shing were good, Jack chose Bainbridge. Jack practiced dentistry 57 years, retiring in 2020.

During his time as a dentist, Jack was responsible for getting the Mayor and City Council to put a Fluoridation system in Bainbridge’s Public water system. He also held a number of professional titles, including President of the Southwest Ga. Dental Association and Honorable Fellow of the Georgia Dental Association in 1978.

Following his retirement, Jack now enjoys hunting and fi shing with his friends, and working on his farm. Joyce loves working in her yard and house and being involved in making Bainbridge a better place.

Since being in Bainbridge, Joyce has become a member of multiple committees and clubs, winning the Woman of the Year in 1987.

She has been the Chairman for the Bainbridge College Foundation and the Chairman for the Southwest Georgia Regional Library, along with the Decatur County Library Foundation. She was the Secretary of the YMCA and on the original Board of Directors.

When not sitting as a Chairman, Joyce found herself co-chairing galas for the hospital, fund raising for the Firehouse Arts Center and becoming a patron at the Bainbridge Little Th eatre.

Th ey both have enjoyed traveling together over the years and are always up for an adventure. Th ey are so active at age 84

Th ey have 2 children, Dr. Jay Leverett – wife Ashley and children, Jackson, Henry and Abbie of Bainbridge. And Janet Leverett Atkinson, husband, Dr. Toby Atkinson and children, Josh and Sarah of Andalusia, AL

Jack and Joyce have been very involved with their children and grandchildren. Th ey are the most giving, loving, kind, encouraging, and selfl ess parents and grandparents on the planet. Th ey have set a wonderful example on how to live a full life and how to serve others!

Winter 2022 / BAINBRIDGE LIVING 35