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), William Leonard; step-granddaughter, Amy 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, William 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.
I met Bessie through family a few years back. We hit it off instantly and tried to always stay in touch. I thoroughly enjoyed our many talks and the wisdom she shared and I will miss our times together. GOD Bless Aunt Bessie.
12/31/2024
Andrew and Anna Darlington
She was a delightful neighbor and amazing lady. We loved her and will miss her sweet spirit!
Bessie Leonard was near and dear to me. Being one of a “multitude” of cousins, I spent many happy hours with the family. I ate many yummy meals at Don & Bessie’s table and camped with the family at Lakewood Campground at Myrtle Beach. (Bill and I chased girls up & down the beach LOL. Don prepared delicious fried potatoes & onions!)I spent many happy Sunday afternoons shooting basketball with Bill on the basketball goal in thier yard. Bessie’s sense of humor was classic. She never saw a stranger & she treated me like an adopted son. I can’t think of Bessie without breaking out in a big smile(and now have a tear developing in my eyes). Bessie’s was a life well lived. I love you Bessie.❤️
