Rebecca Leona Staples

By Tamsen Butler

Nobody else held me so tight

Or made me feel so right

No one's eyes shined so bright with love

As my mom, who is now high above.

Rebecca Leona Staples was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She never met a stranger, and she gave the best hugs.

Leona met her Savior on Christmas Day at the age of 80. As her great-granddaughter, Lucy, said “Grandmother was so special to go to heaven on Jesus’ birthday.”

Leona, born on July 27, 1940, was the daughter of predeceased parents, William and Eula Mae Skelton. Leona married and is survived by her loving husband, Homer Staples, with whom she recently celebrated 60 wonderful years in April. Together, they had 3 children, Teresa Mato (John) of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, Donna Martin (James) of Lebanon, Tennessee and Paula Cox (Bruce) of Richmond, Virginia. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister, Judy Ann Laster (Burnice) of Griffin, Georgia. She is preceded in death by 1 brother and 6 sisters.

Leona loved spending time in the kitchen, tending to her flowers, and traveling to see her grandchildren. She always had a smile and a pot of coffee for anyone who happened to visit. Leona was a member of the Community Church of Praise.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 1:00PM-2:00PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home-Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia. Please feel free to visit as well as say your goodbyes and last respects. At 2:00 PM, a private family service will begin with Pastor Ken Smith officiating. Due to the current COVID-19 and coronavirus pandemic recommendations, those who are able to attend are encouraged to practice social distancing. For friends and loved ones who are unable to attend, we understand, and appreciate your thoughts, love, and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Community Church of Praise, 3851 Union Church Rd. SW, Stockbridge GA, 30281 or Sacred Journey Hospice via https://www.sacredjourneyhospice.com/