Elaine Thompson Leader

She enjoyed years of raising her family and volunteering in communities where she lived.

Among the many gifts that she shared with her family and friends were an appreciation and love of nature, (she was an avid bird watcher and gardener); music, (she played the piano and served on symphony boards wherever she lived); tennis, art, literature, and travel. Even into her 90's, her sharp and inquisitive mind amazed all who knew her; and a dictionary, encyclopedias, and newspapers were always near at hand.

She was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana State University, where she met the first love of her life, Wilford Ray “Yank” Lycan. They married in 1948 and moved to Boulder, Colorado. Elaine worked as an administrative assistant at the University of Colorado while Yank completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering. In 1952 they moved to Waynesboro, VA, where Yank worked for Dupont. They had two children, Lisa and Scott Lycan. In 1961 they were transferred to Martinsville, VA, where Yank continued to work for Dupont. Tragically, Yank died in a charter plane crash on a work related trip in 1964.

In an effort to build a new life for Lisa and Scott as well as herself, Elaine chose to move to Lafayette, IN to be closer to her sister, Mary Ann Lane, and her parents, Edwin and Maye Thompson. She went back to graduate school at Purdue University.

After a few years, she met and married Harry Leader. They merged their families and moved to Terre Haute, IN, where Harry was a professor at ISU, and Elaine was active in Newcomers volunteer programs, tennis and bridge.

In 1978, Elaine and Harry decided on a change of career path. They moved to Augusta, GA, and later Greenville, SC, where together they owned and operated 3 Specialty Ladies’ Shoe Stores.

Finally, in 1990, they decided to retire in Williamsburg, VA, to be near their daughter Lisa Akdogan, her husband Reggie, and their two children, Leyla and Cem. They lived in Kingsmill where Elaine was active in the women’s club, bridge groups, and book clubs. She was a passionate supporter of the Virginia and Williamsburg Symphonies. For years she helped with fundraisers for the Heritage Humane Shelter, as she was always a dog owner and lover. Elaine and Harry were members of the United Methodist Church.

In 2006, Elaine and Harry moved into a cottage in The Williamsburg Landing. They enjoyed the wonderful facilities, as well as the friends they made there. Then in 2012, they moved into Assisted Living, where they lived the last 8 years.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Leader, and their son, Tom Leader; her parents, Edwin and Maye Thompson; her brother, Joe Thompson; and her sister, Helen Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Lane (Spartanburg, GA); her daughter, Lisa Akdogan and her husband, Reggie (Williamsburg, VA); her son, Scott Lycan and his wife, Becky (Blowing Rock, NC); and her daughter, Tracy Leader Henderson and her husband, Rick (Centerville, OH). She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, Indiana in April.

The family would like to thank the wonderful CNAs, nurses, and staff in The Landing’s Assisted Living facility for their loving and patient care in recent years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospital, 909 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 or The Antioch Church of Boone, NC (www.antiochchurchboone.org).