Mary Hewes Leak, A resident of Baton Rouge, she died Friday December 4, 2020 at St. James Place where she resided for 16 years. She was 97. Mary was born at her family home in Cornor, LA and delivered by her father, Dr. Cecil Hewes, along with twin sister Rose, with whom she remained particularly close throughout her life. Mary attended Julius Freehan High School in St. Francisville, LA, and All Saints Episcopal College in Vicksburg, MS before completing her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at LSU in 1943. At All Saints, she was president of her sophomore class, several clubs and reigned as the 1942 May Queen. A true Southern lady, Mary was spirited yet soft spoken, intelligent, gracious, kind and patient. She married Harrison Carter Leak Jr, on July 16, 1944 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Woodville, MS. Both were employed at ESSO, predecessor to Exxon Refinery in Baton Rouge. They settled into post - World War II suburban life on Kenwood Avenue and started a family with two sons, later moving to Donna Drive in Broadmoor subdivision. In 1958, their family unexpectedly but lovingly grew to seven children when they became parents to the children of her sister Betty and husband Rhea DeArmond Percy, who were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They built and moved to a new home on Goodwood Boulevard to accommodate their expanded family. Mary’s role as mother became her life’s work. Relying on her education and homemaking skills, she managed the whirlwind of activities of a large family. Later in life, she and husband Carter found great joy in being “Mamma and Papa” to their six grandchildren. Their ever presence at extracurricular and sports activities and advice on life lessons remain cherished memories. The Leaks were founding members and active in Trinity Episcopal Church. Mary was also active in the Junior League of Baton Rouge, the East Side-West Side Club, and the PEO. Multi-family vacations with lifelong friends plus extensive travel in the US, Canada, Mexico and abroad to Asia and Europe further enriched her life. She is survived by sons Harrison Carter Leak III and wife Yvonne, St. Francisville, LA; James Caulfield Leak II and wife Pamela, Woodville, MS; Nephews Kent Hereford Percy and wife Mary, Kennesaw, GA; John Chaille Percy, Baton Rouge, LA; Tomm Hewes Percy and wife Melanie, Jersey City, New Jersey, niece Mary Louisa Percy Swindle and husband Jay, Madison, MS, and Lynn LeSueur Leak, St. Francisville, LA. She is also survived by grandchildren Eliza Leak Bryant and husband Clint, St. Francisville, LA; Harrison Carter Leak IV and wife Brittany, St. Francisville, LA; David Hewes Leak and wife Julie, Baton Rouge, LA; Mary Katharine Leak Anderson and husband Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA; Addie Salvas Leak, Amman, Jordan; Timothy Lancaster Leak, Woodville, MS; 12 great grandchildren, and the expanded Percy family.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Harrison Carter Leak Jr.; parents Cecil Grayson and Elizabeth Collins Hewes; siblings Cecil Hewes, Betty Percy, Rose Smither, John Hewes, Kent Hewes; nieces Nan Percy, Margaret Hewes, Kay Hewes, and nephew Jeffrey Hewes. The family is deeply indebted to the staff and administrators of St. James Place who became her extended family. Everyone there loved Mrs. Mary. We are particularly grateful to the nurses, aides and therapists who attended to her daily needs over the years. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Hospice nurse Susie Boudinot for her compassionate care. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow outdoors at Evergreen Cemetery, Woodville, MS. For Covid-safe participation, friends are encouraged to view the live streamed service at www.facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalBR.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Trinity Episcopal Church, 3552 Morning Glory Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806, or an organization of your choice.
