Benefit planned for Leverettes

A benefit barbecue, auction and gospel singing will be held Saturday at 4 p.m., at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Department for Betty Jo and F.R. Leverette. Betty Jo lost her leg earlier this year due to artery disease. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

A benefit barbecue, auction and gospel singing for Betty Jo and F.R. Leverette will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m., at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Hall.

Given by their daughters, Trish Follis and Brenda Kimmins, the event will raise funds to modify the couple's home because Betty Jo lost her leg earlier this year to artery disease.

"They tried to first put in an artificial artery, but that didn't work," Trish said. "It kept giving away and hemorrhaging, so they had to take the leg."

The couple lives in an older home, and the thresholds in the doorways are raised, which makes it difficult to maneuver through with a wheelchair.

"My father has some balance issues," Trish said, "so that step down isn't easy for him either. We also hope to smooth out the floors to make it easier for her to get around in her wheelchair."

Tickets for the event are $5, and the meal includes barbecue, beans, slaw, potatoes, drinks and homemade desserts. The auction will include many different items to bid on.

The fire hall is located at 3372 Hwy. 41A N in Unionville. For more information, call (931) 703-0246 or (931) 607-7066.