Leila was born eighth in line of nine children to Alice Lenor and William Monroe Terry on January 23, 1936. She was loved by many and had a heart for helping and serving family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
Leila or Lee, as she introduced herself, was an Organizer: She planned camping trips, holidays, church events and other family events. Many Sunday school class and vacation Bible school projects began with her curled up on the couch with a pen and paper in hand. Leila enjoyed planning holiday meals from tablecloth and relish tray to her delicious apple pies that were a hit from the oldest family member to the grandchildren who gained ownership of the recipe once they were smart enough to ask for it.
Lee was talented and creative: Her daughters were blessed with Easter dresses and special occasion outfits, as she was a wonderful seamstress. She came up with the best ideas for Halloween costumes like Jim’s robot costume. Each costume was made from scratch and scrap. Leila made designer Cakes for special occasions, and wrote skits for church to act out various Bible truths. Later, Lee became pretty good at creating cute little wooden toys and furniture.
Leila is preceded in death by her mom and pop, sisters: Dortha, Bertha, Lilah and Betty, her brothers Virgil and Marty, her dear husband Kenneth Puckett and a great-grandchild Jerzie Rae Foley.
Lee is survived by her sisters Freda White and Doris Fisher, her eldest daughter Jacquelyn Sue Smith, her favorite son James Ronald Smith, favorite daughter in-law Leslie Smith, crafty, DIY daughter Jeanene Lynn Foley and youngest daughter Jannette Kay Smith. Leila had five grandchildren, ten great-grandsons and great-granddaughters and several nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly.
Perhaps Leila's legacy was her unquenchable desire to serve. She passed this desire to each of her children to now honor her by carrying that torch forward, as unto God.
In Mom’s last few weeks on earth, she would console us and say, “God won’t take me until He finishes the roof on my cabin.” Evidently God finished your roof and needs you there to continue your service to Him.
As Lee’s sister, Freda told her before her passing, “One thing is for certain, we will each walk the same path one day.” It is ordered unto man once to die, and after this, the judgement. Hebrews 9:27
Please pray now as a saint of heaven for us all that we will reunite with you in God's heaven. You are our cherished mom, sister, aunt, grandma, neighbor and friend.
A memorial service will be held at Rincon Baptist Church 7500 E. Golf Links Rd. Tucson, AZ 85730 on September 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm. A reception will follow.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18