“When God takes me, he takes me. I am just thankful for every day I wake up and he lets me see.” –Leona Groff

The world wasn’t quite prepared for the day born as Leona Fredricia Headley came. From the moment she took her first breath she never stopped living. 

Although she later traveled to so many places, Leona’s home would always be Brooklyn. It was in this borough of New York City that she developed her strength. She learned quickly to stand up for herself no matter what. It was an art that she instilled in her children and grandchildren. It was her strength that made her invincible. She would always make the best of any situation. In fact when someone could not find an answer Leona was the one you could always turn to. She would pick you up and tell you to try again. 

Family. Leona would often stress the importance of this word. Family was everything to her. In fact she never spent a moment of her life without her family. Whether you were her child or grandchild, her brother or sister, her niece or nephew; you knew she loved you. You knew she would do anything for you. The pride and joy she got in life were her family’s accomplishments. She taught us that no matter who comes in and out of our lives, or where the road may take you, you always have family. “In the end the only thing that matters is family.”

There are so many little things I never want to forget about her. Like how much she loved to dance. No matter where she was, if a good Motown song came on you could always see her busting a move. At night you could always hear her slow R&B or Jazz playing while she slept. I loved how she could sit and stare at the same view for hours. Leona always enjoyed the little things, the subtle beauty in everything. I admired that about her. And you can’t forget her ever changing hairstyles. Oh and the food! I can still smell her fried chicken, which was passed down from her mother. And no matter how hot it was outside, Leona could be seen in a long sleeve shirt or long pants. I bet she’s missing her favorite black goose down coat up there in Heaven.

With Leona gone, everyday life doesn’t seem the same. But no matter how difficult it may get, I know she is with us. She picks us up when we fall and she pushes us to keep fighting. Without her strength, courage, and determination I would feel lost. Although we may never see her again, we can feel her all around us. I know she is smiling and watching over us with all of her loved ones. 

A loving Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt. Rest in Peace.