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BORN
1926
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Bessie Leonard Obituary
March 20, 1926 -
December 26, 2024
Proverbs 3: 5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Mrs. Bessie Marie Leonard entered her heavenly home on Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by her family at the age of 98.
Mrs. Leonard was born March 20, 1926, in Washington County, Tennessee, in the Boones Creek community to the late John Arthur & Estella Pickens McCracken. Bessie was married for 67 years to her loving husband Don Leonard, who preceded her in September of 2012.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Howell; grandchildren, Jeff Howell (Bekah), Jennifer McMahan (Jason), Rebecca Musgrove (Nathan), Billy Leonard; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; beloved family member, Sammy Howell; and special nieces and nephews.
In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she was an active member of Boones Creek Christian Church where she attended the Home Builders Class. Mrs. Leonard worked in the Bookstore at ETSU for 27 years. After retirement, she was involved in Explorer Bible study for 14 years. She loved her church and all her friends there. Mrs. Leonard never missed a day reading her bible and devotions. After she was unable to attend church in person, she learned to navigate Facebook so that she never missed a service. Bessie held an unwavering faith in God in which she shared with all those around her.
Bessie was preceded in death by her son, Bill Leonard; brothers, Jay, Earl, and Martin McCracken; sisters, Louise McCracken, Ruth Cannon, and Mary Nell Burleson.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:30 PM, Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, at Boones Creek Christian Church with Minister David Clark and Minister Mike Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:30 PM Thursday prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM at Washington County Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Howell, Billy Leonard, Nathan Musgrove, Jason McMahan, Connor Musgrove, Grant Howell, and Gabe Matherly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boones Creek Christian Church 2684 Boones Creek Rd. Johnson City, TN 37615.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bessie Leonard
Sponsored by Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
2 Entries
Carolyn Lewis
January 7, 2025
Kathy,
Ellen just told me that your mother had passed away. So sorry for your loss. She certainly had lived a long life of faith and love. I have fond memories of visiting her at the bookstore and spending the night at your house. She was a lovely lady and lots of fun, as well as, being beautiful. Please accept my sincere sympathy and prayers for your loss. Sending my love to you v
Linda and John Johnson
January 2, 2025
We loved Bessie! Praying for the family and loving friends. She will be missed!!!
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Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation ServicesHighway 11E 418 W. College Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659
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