On the calm and peaceful early afternoon of Thursday, May 7, 2020, just 4 days shy of her 90th birthday, Mary Lee Sheppard Leeks passed away at Alliance Hospital in Holly Springs, MS. She was born May 11, 1930, in Cave Spring, GA. The only daughter of the late Willie Sr. and Della Ware Sheppard. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willie R. Leeks, Sr., daughter, Gennie V Leeks-Cole and brothers, Willie Jr., Marcus, Donn and George Sheppard.
She was a lifetime member of New Hope Baptist Church. Joining and being baptized at an early age. She was active in various ministries of the Church until her health began to decline.
She received her education in the Floyd County School System, graduating from Fairview High School in May 1947.
Her professional career included being a substitute at E. S. Brown Elementary School and later joining the staff at Georgia School for the Deaf as a Houseparent. She retired from GSD in June 1994 because of the declining health of her husband.
She loved to travel. Think Planes, Trains and Automobiles, as well as Ships! The highlight of her travels would be her trip to Italy, a gift from her family for her 70th birthday and her trip to Hawaii with her daughter Terry, as well as, other jaunts to the Bahamas and many of the United States. Her last trip before her illness was to Hilton Head, SC. This was becoming an annual tradition and she left looking forward to returning the next year.
She also loved life and people and never met a stranger. Conversations with anyone came easy for her and could last for hours. Of course, she always had lots of questions and many conversations began with, “Let me ask you something”. She will truly be missed by her “phone buddies”.
She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Terry L. Leeks of Collierville, TN, Phyllis (Eugene) Neal of Cave Spring, GA and Constance McWhorter-Nuckles of San Diego, CA. 2 sons, Willie R. Leeks, Jr. of Collierville, TN and Lernard (Carolyn) Sheppard of Rome, GA. 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. As well as, nieces, nephews, cousins and her caregiver, Olivia Allen of Holly Springs, MS.
“Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” See you later Mary Leeks!
A graveside service will be held at Round Hill Cemetery Hwy 411 in Cave Spring, GA on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00am
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