Shirley McEntire Leopard

How do you sum up a life that has spanned 99 years into just a few short paragraphs? Shirley Elizabeth McEntire Leopard came into this world on February 9, 1927; she departed at peace, in her home of 70 years, surrounded by loved ones on February 16, 2026, from complications resulting from a fall. She remained sharp until the end, a gift for which her family will be forever grateful, as she peacefully greeted her Heavenly Father.

Shirley was a bright student graduating from Fair Park High School in 1945 and attending Louisiana Tech. She married the love of her life, Dr. John L. Leopard, III and moved to New Orleans where he attended medical school. Upon his graduation they returned to Shreveport where she built the life and legacy that would define her for generations.

Somewhere along the way during those 99 years “Shirley” got dropped and she became known to everyone she met as “Granny.” She took the honor of that name very seriously, coming to every school play or other activity she could for grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lived near and far. Those who lived nearby were blessed to have her as the chief babysitter, and some even slept on the floor of her office at LSUS when sick and unable to go to school. She made the best green beans you’ve ever tasted, and her Mississippi mud brownies HAD to be at every family holiday gathering. Her home has always been open to every stray cat and person that crossed her path. Her laugh was a giggle that infected anyone who was lucky enough to hear it. It still rings deep in our hearts. She loved the beach and especially loved early morning coffee with her feet in the sand watching the sunrise with whomever woke early enough to join her whether it was in the Cayman Islands or Destin, Florida. She loved to gather with her family, whether it was dodging fire-works or grilling on the Weber with her son John listening to the LSU game on the radio, she was happy when she was surrounded by family. She was a fierce and safe haven for those she loved in the storms that life brought. She loved walking the block with her walking buddies every weekday morning for decades, and was a cherished member of the choirs at both Broadmoor and Brookwood Baptist Church. She also sang with the Louisiana Baptist Singing Women for many years, traveling the state with special friends, Judy Phillips, Pat Hines and Jimmye Craven.

In her near century on this earth, she loved raising Siberian Huskies with her daughter Lee Ann, traveling to shows and winning numerous blue ribbons. She helped build skate ramps for her son Jay to perform his handstand tricks looking the other way praying he wouldn’t break a bone, she supported her son Pat in his dream to fly planes as a teenager, she adored each and every baby born into the family making her famous monogrammed baby balls that she gifted to families around the country. Her son John was more than a son but a life partner. Her first-born daughter Sherry graced her with 2 great-great grandchildren one of which she was tickled to hold not long ago and enjoyed a five-generation photo shoot on her front porch.

She was preceded in death by her toddler brother Clovis, her Mother Mae and Daddy Mac, daughter-in-law Wendy Leopard and son-in-law Calvin Orwig, II; but what a legacy she leaves behind to honor her memory, 5 children, Sherry Orwig, John L. Leopard, IV, Dr. Patrick B. Leopard, Lee Ann Bamburg and Jay Leopard all of Shreveport, 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren! Some of the most special people in Granny’s life were her in-laws that she liked to call her outlaws, Cindy Leopard, Alvin Bamburg, Wendy Faith Leopard, Felis Leopard and Debbie Hill.

We will honor her, and welcome anyone who loved her to join us, on Friday, February 20th at 10 am for a graveside service at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park. Bro. John Harp from Brookwood Baptist Church will be officiating. We will continue for the rest of our lives to cherish the memories of our Steel Magnolia, the best Granny who ever Grannied. As she would say, we love and miss you BIG!

The family is forever grateful to Kathy Vaughn, Lifepath Hospice and Elite Health Solutions for their gentle and kind support in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church Benevolent Fund or Choir Department.