May 1, 2020
by Kelly Scott
JUANITA LEONARD
MAY 13TH, 1935 – APRIL 10TH, 2020
Juanita Leonard was born in Birmingham, Alabama on May 13th, 1935. One of four children of the late Jimmy Lee and Emma Mack. Juanita grew up close to her siblings, Arthur, Anna Mae and Mary. Her sisters would prove to be instrumental in her life.MAY 13TH, 1935 – APRIL 10TH, 2020
Juanita Was living in New Jersey and her sisters in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. When her sister was pregnant and needed help, Juanita went to assist. Although she had no intention of staying, that is what she did. Juanita was able to find work and it was on her job, that she met the man that would be her dear husband for over 60 years. It was on September 26, 1959 that she said I do to both Willie Leonard and his young son Willie Leonard Jr. She took on the responsibility of both wife and mother. Their union produced five more children. Three girls: Mournita, Zenith and Yvette. And two boys: Stephen and Christopher.
Juanita loved taking care of her family. Whether it was cooking or packing up the family for a trip, she gave them what they needed. Her loving nature also extended beyond her household, she was known for being outgoing and encouraging to her many friends.
It was after the growing family moved to Detroit, Michigan that Juanita’s sisters would once again prove to be instrumental in her life. During a visit from Pennsylvania her sisters would share the daily text and comments from the Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When it was time for them to leave, she asked them about her getting the text book. Shortly thereafter, Coleman and Cora Lewis knocked on her door. A bible study was started with her and her husband, in December 1972 they were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Juanita was a strong servant of Jehovah and she was happy at the Kingdom Hall. Her failing health hampered her in her finale years, but her friends remember that she was always in field service and would have kind words and hugs for them. She was a good person to know.
Juanita’s daughter Zenith Marie Leonard preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Anna Mae McBride and Mary Townsend.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Willie Leonard; her brother Arthur L. Mack (Patricia); her children, stepson Willie Leonard Jr. (Marion); Mournita Leonard; Yvette Johnson (Wilford); Stephen Leonard and Christopher Leonard. Her grandchildren: Demond, Tiffany, Whitney, Rasheda, Shawnell and Justin. Four great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many friends also mourn her passing.