Ramona Dunn

Ramona Leach Dunn was born in Gadsden, Alabama to George and Bertie Leach on March 6, 1934. She passed on to be with our Lord on December 18, 2020 after an extended illness. She grew up in Gadsden and graduated from Gadsden High School in 1952. In October of that year, she married her one true love, James “Bill” Dunn. During Bill’s career as a professional baseball player, she travelled and lived in several states including Montana with two of their three children until they returned to Gadsden where they spent the rest of their lives.

Ramona lived her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but she was like a second mother to many family members and friends of her children. She was a long-time caregiver for many family members throughout her life. She was always generous and giving almost to a fault without asking for anything in return. She was plain spoken, had more common sense than most, could do anything she wanted to do, and rarely met a stranger. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Often referred to as the “Life of the Party”, Ramona loved to talk, laugh, dance, and just have fun with everyone. She was an animal lover and they loved her no matter who claimed them as their owner. She enjoyed digging in the yard with her pickaxe to plant trees and flowers for anyone who wanted something planted. She also enjoyed searching for bargains in thrift stores, travelling, flower arranging, hair styling, and doing “Handy Dan” projects around the house. She always loved baseball, but in later years, she loved Alabama Football first and foremost with “her Pigs” in Arkansas as a second favorite. Last, but not least she was also known for “preaching” from her imaginary “portable purple pulpit” when loved ones needed some common sense advice in HER opinion.

Although she was known for speaking her mind often with a colorful vocabulary that came second nature to her, Ramona grew up with a strong faith in God and believed in living her Christian beliefs through example not words. Her rewards in Heaven should be many for giving so much of herself in this life. She was one of a kind and there will never be another person like her for anyone who ever had their lives touched by her love, kindness and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Bertie Leach; husband James (Bill) Dunn; son Michael Dunn; brothers James Leach, Clarence “Hoss” (Virginia “Buggs”) Leach, Earl Leach, and Neal Leach; sisters Juanita (Carl) Harwood, and Unekia “Bill” Brashier; and step-great-granddaughter Breana Stallings.

She is survived by son Darrell (Toni) Dunn; daughter Jenna Dunn; granddaughters Candice Nelson, Lindsey (Trey) Shelnutt, Raven (Matt) Powell, and Courtney Dunn; grandsons Darrell (Ashley) Dunn and James “Dean” Dunn; step-granddaughters Stephanie (Josh) Nelson and Jennifer (Brent) Arnold; step-grandson Charles “Chuck” (Rachel) Dunn and Lee Kelton. In addition, she is survived by 22 great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, one step-great-great grandchild; brother-in law Ralph (Ellen) Dunn; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special friends Barbara Wilburn, Jerre Blanton, and Gail Roden.

Special thanks to the Nurses at Kindred at Home Health/Hospice; Dr. Anthony Metcalfe, her “grandson” Dr. Asif Kaleem and partners, and Dr. Darryl Prime for their excellent care. Also, many thanks to everyone at Tyson Foods—Alabama Complex for their love and support with special thanks to Chaplain Ed Flaig whom she loved dearly.

There will be no visitation or memorial service as requested by the deceased. The family requests no flowers, but donations to a favorite charity may be made in Ramona’s name if desired. Condolences to the family may be sent to 1656 Summit Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901.