Martha Leonard

Martha was born in Vanna, Georgia to the late Mary Elizabeth Brown Winn and the late William Crawford Winn on November 16, 1937. She was beloved in her community where she was a member of Vanna United Methodist Church and where she played basketball at Royston High School, graduating in 1955. She attended Brenau University from 1955-1959 where she majored in music and minored in Education. Throughout the years, she enjoyed being in many school musicals and operas. Her beautiful voice was appreciated at many weddings, community, and church events throughout the years.

After college, she moved to Atlanta in 1959 where she taught 2nd grade at Ashford Park Elementary school for close to 10 years. She touched the lives of many students, some of whom came back to visit her years later to share the impact she had on their lives. She was known as the teacher who had the piano in her classroom. Her classroom was a joyful place to be.

In 1967, she married William Clifton Leonard, the love of her life, and they made their home in Brookhaven, GA where they have lived for the past 56 years.

In subsequent years, she worked in the home raising their two daughters. Once they were in school, she returned to teaching -- this time, teaching pre-school. She was a faithful member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. She enjoyed using her God-given talents and lifelong love of music by singing in the Chancel Choir and, later with the “Pops” senior choir. In her later years, she also served on the altar guild, arranging flowers.

She was known and loved by many for her genuine smile, beautiful voice, quiet acts of service, and devotion to her family.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, William Clifton Leonard, on November 12, 2023. She is survived by her two children: Marla Stracner (Doug) of Suwanee, GA and Jennifer Baxter (Bryan) of Grayson, GA. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael and Rebecca McReynolds and three step-grandchildren Jack, Katherine, and Benjamin Stracner. In addition, she is survived by her brother, John Winn (Liz) of Athens and their son Bryan (Liesel) of Athens. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Leonard (Brookhaven).

A graveside service will be held for family members as well as the Vanna Community at Vanna Fellowship Church (3457 Old Elbert Road Royston, Ga. 30662) on Saturday January 6th at 1pm. Memorials can be made out to: Vanna Church Cemetery Fund c/o Ben Ray. 332 Corinth Church Road, Royston, GA. 30662.

A memorial service will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta) on Sunday January 14th at 2pm. A reception will follow in the Hospitality Suite.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude for the care provided by the late Marlene Walters, Andrea Freeman, Bridgett Carrington, and Jackie Wheeler as well as Melissa Adamson and Deb Finch and of Weinstein Hospice over the past several years.