Mary Elizabeth Leonard, age 99, passed away peacefully Monday, August 15, 2022 at her home. She was born August 6, 1923 in Caruthersville, MO. She was a graduate of Caruthersville High School and Southeast Missouri State University. She married William Henry Leonard and they had one daughter, Elizabeth. She worked as a home economics teacher at Lindbergh High School and is remembered by many former students. Mary Elizabeth loved to teach in school as well as at her church. She was a familiar face everywhere she went and was loved by many. She enjoyed singing in her church choir and helping with holiday decorating.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Jim); grandchildren, Hannah (Nathan), Gregory, Maggie (Jeff), Rachel, Matthew, and Sarah (Zach); and great-grandchildren, Graham, Leah, Abbie, Ellie, Hattie, Finn, Max, Wesley, Jack, Cole and two more on the way. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Mary Elizabeth touched are invited to South County Baptist Church for the visitation from 10am-12pm on Thursday, August 18th. Funeral service to be held at noon followed by procession to Jefferson Barracks.
I was one of Mrs Leonard’s students, and have never forgotten her, I live in the area, and think of her every time I drive by her house. Godspeed.
A dear lady and friend who had many talents She and I were colleagues at Lindbergh High School 1967-1977. We had lunch together most every day in the Home Ec kitchen, sometimes with treats she’d made. Sincere condolences, Kathryn Cormack
I use to wait on Mary Elizabeth at Cracker Barrel and she was one of the sweetest ladies to ever walk in those doors. She would talk to you, tell stories and treat all of us like family. One of the kindest souls I have ever had the privilege to meet. May she Rest In Peace and she will be very missed
So sorry to hear of the passing of aunt Mary Elizabeth. May she rest in peace.
I am sorry to hear about Auny Mary. I will always remember her kindness.
Keeping you in my prayers during this challenging time.
What a wonderful, long life Aunt Mary Elizabeth lived! May the family always retain the beautiful memories…I hope she’s hugging Uncle Henry right now!
I have many warm memories of Aunt Mary Elizabeth. She was a dear sweet aunt and an exceptionally good cook. I remember how proud she was when she first showed us her beautiful baby daughter Elizabeth Ann. My sincerest sympathy to Elizabeth and all your family.
I remember her classes well. I quote something all the time she told us. If you like your steak well done you really don’t like steak.
I was one of her students and she was one of my favorite teachers by far. She was such a sweet genuine and caring woman, teacher and friends to many. My parents went to church with her and I would see her now and then. In 2009 she still remembered my sisters and me as her students. She definitely will be missed. To her family I am sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all.
I had both Mrs. Leonard and Mr. Leonard. She attended our 40th reunion and I was assigned as her escort. My friend, David has recently worked on her clock and told me of his visits. RIP
I am sorry to learn of Mrs. Leonard’s passing. She has been the kindest neighbor friend. God bless she will be missed.
I was a student of Mrs.Leonard. I’m so sorry to see this. She was an awesome Teacher! My thoughts and Prayers to her Family.
As with a lot of her students, I have fond memories of Mrs. Leonard. By far one of my favorite teachers. And yes, I also thought of her every time I drove past her house. My sincere condolences. May she RIP
I was one of her students and she was my favorite teacher. Sounds like she had a long life with a loving family. My condolences.
Love you!
Only met Your Mom twice in the presence of my friend Kay. In those two meetings I found her joy, laughter, and outlook phenomenal for her age. I know her positive impact on many over the years will linger for a very long time. It was an honor to see her spunk in her eighties. We should follow that example. Janis
Deepest sympathy & condolences. My “late” wife Kathy and I attended South County Baptist Church with Mary Elizabeth……such a kind loving gentle soul.
I’m sure Kathy will be anxiously waiting to greet Mary Elizabeth with warm hugs in heaven as she welcomes her home.
I worked with Mrs Leonard at LHS. She was liked and respected by all her colleagues. She always had a big smile and warm heart. My condolences to her loved ones.
I remember Mary Elizabeth substituting at Long Elementary. I had several of her grandchildren in my class.
Sorry I missed saying ‘good-bye.’ Remember times with LeRoy and some good laughs about sex-ed. Enjoy with William Henry. Conway
Mary Elizabeth was my fellow teacher and mentor at LHS for many years! We remained friends throughout her life and I loved her Christmas home display every year. She shared her faith, her joyous spirit and her love with all who knew her! She has received her crown in Heaven now! Love and prayers to her family’✝️
Mrs Leonard was my home ec teacher many years ago. I was very fond of her. She touched my life and heart in numerous ways. As entering my formative years she was a mentor, friend, guide, and teacher. Recently shared many fond memories of her with classmates at our 50 plus class reunion. I was a home ec club member beyond junior high through high school…. she was a special kind person. I still heed many things that she taught me! I hear her voice as she would tell us girls that a lady always takes her purse with her. Manners and etiquette. And to tie your hair back when cooking (I learned the hard way when once I did not. I leaned over to smell some cake batter while the beaters were running resulting in my hair getting caught and wound up in the beaters! Close call to loosing a hunk of hair and beaters dripping with batter hanging off the side of my head) Rest in peace dear Mrs Leonard.
I can remember so clearly meeting Mrs. Leonard in 1968 when I was hired to teach 8th grade home economics for Lindbergh. I was in awe of her ability to stick to her standards with such kindness. She was a mentor to me and I enjoyed her ability to make her point with such humor and she was not afraid to “rock the boat”, especially when it came to sex ed. We sure need an army of teachers like her right now. I am so glad to know she lived to be 99 and was able to stay in her own home. She talked the talk and walked the walk. I was thrilled to see the number of her grandchildren and great grandchildren…….lucky them and her.