Leona Mae Klingaman

Leona M. Harper ‘Lennie’ Klingaman was born at the home of her grandparents in Houston, Texas on January 3, 1940 to Ima Lee Brawner Harper Riva and Leonard Harper. She left us to be held in the arms of our Savior October 19, 2023.

She graduated from Klein High School and attended the University of Houston. She worked for Foley’s Department Store (now Macy’s) from 1957 until her retirement in 1996. Lennie started as a holiday extra and was hired to stay on as clerical staff; she worked hard and was promoted to various positions including executive secretary to the President, Lasker Meyer. While there she earned the Certified Professional Secretary designation through hard work and devotion to her craft.

While with Foleys, in 1959 she met her life-long sweetheart Gene Klingaman who also worked there. They married October 22, 1960 and began a long and happy time together enjoying bowling, hunting & fishing, dancing and cruising (thank you, Carnival for their Diamond status!). Most importantly, they enjoyed time with their families. UG (Uncle Gene) and AL (Aunt Lennie) were there for all of us when we needed them.

Lennie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Shirley Denby, Pat Brawner and Jackie Jurischk and niece Carolyn Arrington along with many family members by marriage (Lois and Bill Tidwell, Helen & Buddy Hammock, Don & Bertha Klingaman, Wallace & Virginia Klingaman, William ‘Bill’ Plummer, Lola Cole, Chuck and Fay Plummer, Dolores Klingaman, Ruth Klingaman Stinson (Howard), Robert Hammock, Steve Klingaman, Patty Klingaman.

Survivors include husband Gene Raymond Klingaman; Siblings - sister Brenda McCurry and brothers Ronald Riva and Rodney Riva and a HUGE contingent of nieces and nephews – Karen Allee, Tony Killingsworth Ronda Jurischk, Ryan Riva, Cara Garrett, Eric Bowman (Shae and Gage), Haliegh Reeves, John Plummer (Sandy and Britni, Shane & Chad Plummer), Ellen Fontenot (Roland and Andrew), Juanita Stinson, Warren Stinson, Len Richardson (Cindy), Donna Walleck (Val), Sandra Shaw, William (Susie) Tidwell, Muriel Trahan, , Eddie Klingaman, Zenith Stephens, Carolyn Wright, Ronnie Klingaman, Wallace ‘Butch’ Klingaman (Nina), Leon Plummer, Linda Plummer Weider (Walt), Janice Klingaman Chambers (Mike) plus cousins and great-nieces/nephews. If your name was missed, please know that Lennie knew who you are and loved each and every one.

A very special thank you to John and Sandy Plummer. It meant very much that you were there to help them and most especially you continuing to be with Uncle Gene as he works to recover from his stroke.

There are just not enough words to express love and appreciation to Blanca Smith and Charlie. Blanca started as a helper to Aunt Lennie around the house and quickly became a trusted and much-loved friend. We could have never made it through the last couple of years without her and Charlie being with Lennie and Gene. Charlie has the distinction of being the first dog to be invited to visit in their home. She provided calming and comfort through some very difficult days.

Service information Visitation Tuesday October 24th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm with funeral Wednesday October 25th at 10:30 am Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway. Houston, TX 77039.

There will be no formal reception following the services. We ask that you set aside some time to visit Uncle Gene in the near future as we work for his recovery. Each and every card will be read to him and your visits will bring him comfort.