Joyce Leonard

Joyce Leonard passed away Sunday, March 16th at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Joyce was 92 years young. She was married to Reverend C. L. Leonard for 70 years. Together, they pastored churches, evangelized, and traveled the nation and world for missions. Working for the International Churches of God, C. L. was a Missions Representative and Joyce was a faithful companion traveling to 70 countries and all 50 states in support of missionaries throughout the world. They lived in Cleveland, Tennessee the last 30 years of their career where she had many friends.

Joyce was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1950.

She is survived by Wayne Johnson (Louise) of Madison, Mississippi and is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend C. L. Leonard, father Clifford Johnson, mother Velma Johnson, sister Juanita Cato ( Harold), brother Clifford Johnson, Jr. (Margaret).

Joyce’s many nieces and nephews were dearly loved and considered close family.

Since moving to Jackson in 2014, Joyce and C. L. attended Christway Church of God in Flowood, Mississippi. Vicky Moore, a member of the church, was a close companion of Joyce throughout the last three years of her life. The family gives thanks for her loving care for Joyce.

Graveside services will be held at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Alvin Woods officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

World Missions

International Churches of God

Cleveland, Tennessee

or, to a charity of your choice.