Leona Gibson McNear

Ms. Leona Gibson McNear, affectionately known as “Fat”, 93, of Apex, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 17, 2025. Born on February 1, 1932, in Plantersville, Alabama, she lived a life marked by service, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Leona was the beloved daughter of Levi and Adele Bailey Gibson. She was raised in Alabama alongside her siblings and graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham. She went on to attend Booker T. Washington College in Birmingham, where she earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration - laying the foundation for a distinguished professional life.

Her career spanned more than three decades at the Social Security Administration in Birmingham, Alabama. There, she rose to the position of Team Lead for Customer Service Representatives, a role she held with distinction until her retirement. Her deep understanding of regulatory and compliance standards made her a trusted guide for countless individuals navigating complex systems.

Beyond her formal career, Leona was a pillar of support to her community. For over 50 years, she prepared income taxes for friends, neighbors, and fellow church members. Without ever advertising her services, she built a loyal clientele who knew they could rely on her expertise and discretion. Even during hospital stays, clients would wait outside her room hoping to have their taxes prepared by the one person they trusted most.

She also became a notary public to meet the needs of those around her. Her ability to interpret official documents and assist others in applying for benefits such as Social Security and disability made her an invaluable resource. Her compassion and wisdom were matched only by her willingness to help anyone who came to her door.

She served faithfully in the Finance Ministry as Treasurer, meticulously maintaining ledgers and ensuring every penny was accounted for. She had a special devotion to the Noon Day Senior Bible Study group - coordinating lunches and personally delivering meals to those who wereLeona was deeply rooted in faith and was an active member of 23rd Street Baptist Church in Birmingham for over 50 years. sick or shut-in.

As a devoted mother, Leona raised her two children, Juanita and Marcus, as a single parent with strength and grace, instilling spiritual values and involving them in church ministries. She cherished time spent with family - hosting lively pool parties, grilling ribs on her backyard pit, preparing her signature potato salad and banana pudding. Her home was often filled with soulful music, old comedies or sermons played on her vintage phonograph record player - a treasured family keepsake that still plays today. She also enjoyed playing games, especially card games like Spades and Bid Whist, shopping and bragging about her grandchildren.

Leona had a zest for life that extended far beyond her home. She traveled extensively with her dear friend Virginia, her son and his family to destinations including Disney World, Puerto Vallarta, Poconos, Chicago, Memphis, Las Vegas, Nashville, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and more.

Her white Cadillac - with its distinctive rear mounted tire - was a familiar sight as she drove neighbors to doctor appointments or grocery stores long after retirement. She served as a Civil Defense Police Officer and participated actively in the Community Watch Program. Her community respected her not only for what she did but for who she was: an encourager with a sharp mind and generous heart who always had time to listen or share a laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Cecil J. McNear Jr., daughter Juanita Darlena McNear, granddaughter Michelle Dionne McNear, brothers Acie Gibson and Norman McIlwain, and sisters Della Gibson Patrick and Olivia Gibson Blunt.

Leona is lovingly remembered by her son Marcus (Patricia) McNear, granddaughters Edna Latrese (Tyrone) Baldwin and Dr. Miranda Nicole (Darius) Ball, great granddaughter MacKenzie Baldwin, sister Ola Williams, brother Albert Gibson, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her legacy lives on through those whose lives she touched - with wisdom shared over kitchen tables and guidance offered with laughter.

May the memory of Ms. Leona “Fat” McNear bring comfort to all who knew and loved her - a woman whose life was defined by service, faith, family, and unwavering love.