Mildred Strickland Leonard

Mildred Strickland Leonard, 98, of Rocky Cross passed away peacefully at her home with her children at her side on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

She is survived by her three children, Julian Frank Leonard, Jr. of Bunn Lake and Dr. Cheryl M. Leonard and Dr. Debroah L. Leonard of Wilson and grandfurbaby, Ms. Kitty. She has a sister whom she adored, Margaret Ann Williams (Norwood) who resides in Pilot, NC and two sisters-in-laws who she loved, Janie Strickland (Carvin) and Jane Strickland (Herbert). She was cherished by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends who were her extended family.

She was born on August 25, 1924, in Nash County, daughter of the late Berdgis Simon and Annie Strickland. In Mildreds’ early years, after graduation she left for Washington DC to work in the Pentagon. As years passed, Mildred’s career path shifted, returning to North Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Julian, of 63 years. As a Naval military wife for 36 years, she and her family moved to several states and countries before settling down in her final retirement days spent in Rocky Cross. Her greatest accomplishment and pleasures were caring for her family, raising three children and her grandfurbabies. She loved gardening, canning, and freezing home grown fruits and vegetables, cooking and baking award winning cakes and pies, volunteering for community activities with her children and staying up on politics and current affairs. She was a devoted wife and mother with a strong faith, always kind and loving, and always willing to help her family and friends.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Julian, her brothers, Alton, Herbert, Bobby Lee, twin brothers, Carvin and Marvin and her sisters, Odessa, Leigh, Paula, and Crama.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday, November 26 at Rocky Cross Baptist Church, 13452 Burgess Road, Middlesex, NC. A graveside service will follow behind the Rocky Cross Baptist Church. Visitation with family will be from 9:30 – 10:45am, prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall.

The family request memorials to be made to the church, Rocky Cross Baptist Church, 13452 Burgess Road, Middlesex, North Carolina 27557.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.