Leona Ball

Leona Edna Watkins was born to Hazel Naomi Perry and Elbert Kirby Watkins on August 31, 1915, in Checotah, Oklahoma. On October 19, 2011, she left her aging body behind as she passed through death's door into the loving arms of Jesus, her Savior, having trusted in Him for the forgiveness of her sins. She left a wake of blessing and faithfulness throughout her 96 years of life. At an early age Leona moved to Edinburg, Texas, graduating from Edinburg Junior College (now The University of Texas-Pan American) at the age of 18. At age 21, she met and married Myrl "Pete" Ball. They made their home in Austin. They were married 52 years, until his death in 1988.

Leona taught the Joy Sunday School Class at Hyde Park Baptist Church for 20 years, was an avid golfer and bridge player, member of Austin Woman's Club, Austin Woman's Forum, Antique Study Club and Arts & Flowers Garden Club. Known for her infectious sense of humor, she could tell a joke with perfect timing! At age 93 she moved to a retirement home in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she spent her remaining years.

Leona is predeceased by her husband and parents. She leaves behind a family confident of a reunion with her in heaven: a son, Dr. Thomas Kirby Ball and wife, Pam – of Edmond, Oklahoma; a daughter, Lana Ball Prather and husband, Robert – of Dallas; grandchildren Zachary Thomas Ball and wife Christa, Adriane Ball Smith and husband Ryan, Travis Samuel Ball, Robert Charles Prather, Jr. and wife Jennifer, and Lisa Michelle Prather. She is also survived by 4 precious great-grandchildren: Joshua Graham Smith, Abigail Jay Smith, Mason Hanna Prather and Bess Watkins Prather.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Capital Parks Cemetery, I-35 at Wells Branch Parkway in Pflugerville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway, Austin, TX 78751, or to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.