Mary Leonard, 88, died Sunday, May 14, 2017. Funeral service were held Wednesday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, with Charles West and Jimmy Caraway officiating. Interment followed in Breckenridge Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral home.
Mary Elizabeth Shelton was born Aug. 23, 1928 in Dallas, to Frank Shelton and Mary Myrtle Dunn Shelton. She married the love of her life, Weldon Leonard, on Sept. 14, 1945 in Cedar Hill.
Weldon and Mary were blessed with four wonderful children. In 1964 they moved to Breckenridge where they opened Breckenridge Auto and Engine Supply in 1973. Mary was the office manager for 44 years until her passing. She was affectionately known as “Ma” and Mrs. Leonard.
Mary and Weldon were very active in church life. They served as the music ministry leaders at New Hope Baptist #3, Eastside Baptist Ranger, First Baptist Woodson, and Lakeside Baptist Breckenridge, where Mary was a member and still attended. She taught youth and adult Sunday school for 50 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Rae Holder and husband, Larry of Breckenridge and Joyce Elaine Leonard of Richardson; sons, Roy Allen Leonard and wife, Ruth Ann of Irving, Steven Paul Leonard and wife, Judy of Eastland; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Weldon Leonard; brother, Raymond Shelton; and sisters, Betty Shelton and Nona Dee Latham.
Memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels or Lakeside Baptist Church. The family invites friends to leave a condolence in the online guestbook at www.meltonkitchens.com.