Wilby Jean Ledford, 83, a resident of Benton, TN, passed away March 15, 2026, at home, supported strongly and lovingly by her children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She was born November 18, 1942, in Anderson County, TN, where she grew up. She attended Lake City High School and later moved to Oliver Springs High School, where she graduated. Wilby attended Draughon’s Business School in Knoxville, TN, where she met, dated, and ultimately married Don Ledford and shared 62 wonderful years together. She was a member of Benton First Baptist Church since 1964 and loved her role of caring for young children in the nursery for many years.

Wilby worked at Benton Banking Company for 20+ years as the secretary to the president and served as a kindergarten aide for several years at Benton Elementary School. She enjoyed painting, floral arranging, cooking, and her professional secretary’s group, but most of all spending time with her family. Being a grandmother was her greatest passion, and she thanked God daily for allowing her the privilege of leading and guiding her grandchildren.

Wilby is survived by her son, William John Ledford (Zina) of Ooltewah, TN, and daughter Jada Ledford Daves (Kevin) of Ooltewah, TN. In addition, Wilby has 6 grandchildren, Hannah Ledford (Nate Ferrell), Shayli Daves, Sharayah Daves, Shanel Daves, Shaw Daves, and Shafer Daves, one great grandchild, Walker James Ferrell, one sister, Zola Sue Leach, one sister-in-law, Alma Lively, four nieces, Kathy Brown (Tim), Kimberly Bunch, Melissa Boyd (Brooks), Tonya Collins (Todd), and one nephew, Matthew Lively (Kathryn).

Wilby was preceded in death by her husband, William (Don) Ledford of Benton, TN, her parents, Rev. Guy and Winfrey Lively of Oliver Springs, TN, her sister, Emma Lou, her brother, Billy Lively, her brother-in-law, Billy Ray Leach, and one stillborn son.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Benton First Baptist Church with Reverend W. J. Ledford officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery on South Ocoee St. in Cleveland, TN, with a white dove release ceremony following the gravesite service. Shaw Daves, Shafer Daves, Nate Ferrell, Tim Brown, Matthew Lively, Bear Lively, Barry Queen and Keith Hammond will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Brooks Boyd, Doyle Housley, Curtis Loveday, Terry Loveday, Gene Phillips, Jack Easterly, Rev. Steve Miller, David Miller, Jerry Witt, Bill Womac, Slade Scoggins and all the deacons of Benton First Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Children’s Organ Transplant Association in honor of Shafer Daves, Wilby’s grandson, at https://cota.org/cotaforshaferd. All contributions will assist with Shafer’s ongoing kidney transplant-related expenses.

The family wants to truly express their sincere thanks to all the loving caregivers from Caris Hospice, as well as Darlene Krohe and special friend Kathleen Silvers.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.