Merry LeShane's Obituary
Merry Newton "Corky" Leshane passed away, at the age of 95, at her home in Memphis on November 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son Lee Willig, and mother, Winnie Pass Brumley. She is survived by her sister Donna Griffin and her nieces Michelle Stanford (Terry) and Tiffany Holman (Dudley), of whom she was immensely fond. She also leaves behind great nephews and nieces, who were always in her heart and well loved. Merry, known as Corky to her family and friends, was born in Memphis and attended Humes High School. As a child, she was active in dance and spent her early adult years traveling across the South and MidWest as an entertainer. After settling in Miami, she and her husband operated a successful music store. After the dissolution of that marriage, Corky enrolled at the University of Miami, where she obtained Bachelors degree and teaching certification and began a career in special education. She later achieved a Masters Degree and moved into the role of guidance counselor. Throughout her time in Miami, she continued to dance with groups in the local area. She also purchased a small cabin in Blue Ridge, GA which she continued to utilize several times a year until she was no longer able to manage the drive. After retiring in 1995, she returned to Memphis to be close to family. She continued to dance in Memphis, joining a dance group at the McQuirter Senior Center, and performing in area senior care facilities. She loved animals and almost always had multiple dogs and/or cats whom she adored and spoiled. In 2017, she moved, at the same time as her sister (and brother in law) into Independent Living at Kirby Pines Lifecare Community where she developed many new friendships and cared for the stray cats from the surrounding community. As her days grew shorter, her sister attended to her care, enabling her to stay in her home, and to be surrounded by those who loved her most. A Celebration of Life will be held at Kirby Pines on Sunday, December 7 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Collierville Animal Services or the Kirby Pines Library.
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