AlLedith 'Leda' Chastain Dunlap, age 81 of Soddy Daisy, TN, formerly of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on May 10, 2023. She was born in Deering, MO, on September 16, 1941, the first of eleven children born to the late Loy H Chastain Sr. and Lucille Dunn Chastain. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Nita June Chastain Kelsey and son-in-law, Gary Wayne Fee.

Leda was a faithful member of New Life Church of God where she served as the leader of the Women's Group Greeters and she helped Leonard with Praise & Worship. She was a great witness for her Lord, no matter where she was. She served Him well as she has taught Sunday School, served as youth leader, and was the bookkeeper for church.

As a teenager, Leda taught herself to play the piano and she used her talent to serve the Lord by playing in church and for the trio in which they sang. She later taught herself to play the organ, guitar and mandolin. She was a very gifted lady as she also taught herself to crochet, decorate cakes, cook, and sew. She was an excellent seamstress. There wasn't anything she couldn't do and she did it all with excellence.

Leda grew up in Southeast Missouri where she attended school and graduated from Wardell High School. She attended SEMO College for a short time and years later, MTSU. Leda was taught at a very early age to be a hard worker, as she was expected to pick 300 lbs of cotton a day. After marrying Leonard on October 7, 1960, Leda became a bookkeeper for the school and eventually other businesses. After moving to Murfreesboro, she worked for Batey's Office Supply for 15 years until they closed. Before her retirement in 2012, she was employed at MMC as a patient representative. Leda definitely had the gift of hospitality and many friends from church or her children's friends that couldn't be with family for the holidays, would find themselves seated at Leda and Leonard's table, enjoying a wonderful meal. There was always room for one more. She loved that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren lived close. She was a hands-on 'Mamaw' with her grands and great grands. She always enjoyed watching them play ball and she looked forward to every family gathering.

Leda is survived by her loving husband of 62 years; Leonard, daughters; Melanie (Todd) Schulte, Melinda Fee of Murfreesboro, TN and Wendi (Larry) Schroyer of Soddy Daisy, TN; son; Lynn (Jennie) Dunlap of Smyrna, TN. Grandchildren; Michael Schulte, Matthew (Talia) Schulte, Taylor Fee, Addie Dunlap, Jordan Fee and Ben Dunlap, all of Murfreesboro, TN. Great-grandchildren; Grant Schulte and Ethan Schulte and Mia Kate Moore, all of Murfreesboro, TN. Siblings; Freda Cheek, Loy Chastain, Jr., Melba (Gerry) Spain, Maxine (Sharon) Hughey, Donald Chastain, Arnold (Linda) Chastain, Larry (Becky) Chastain, Diane Chastain, and Eddie (Pia) Chastain. Sisters-in-law; Helen Guillen, Nancy Brown and Mary Ford, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, great-great nieces, nephews and many friends.

V isitation with the family will be Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the 1:00 PM funeral service time at New Life Church of God, 4447 Manson Pike, Murfreesboro, TN. Pastor Patricia Yates will be officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Christian, TN.

Pallbearers will be Michael Schulte, Matthew Schulte, Taylor Fee, Jordan Fee, Ben Dunlap and Grant Simmons. Honorary Pallbearers are Addie Dunlap, Grant Schulte, Ethan Schulte and Mia Kate Moore.