Leonard, Elizabeth R., succumbed to a lengthy illness just before Sunrise on October 1. Born in Oklahoma City, her family moved to Jacksonville Beach, then Lake Worth, as a result of the "Dust Bowl", finally settling in Fort Lauderdale by 1941. "Betty Claire" Roberts was proud to be a Drum Majorette and "Flying L'. After graduation, she enrolled in Florida State College for Women, now known as Florida State University. While at FSCW, Betty Claire was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She acted in the FSCW stage production of "I Remember Mama" and performed on a radio show, reading books to children. When FSCW admitted men she met William F. "Bill" Leonard (1926-2005); they were married in 1949 and then both enrolled at University of Florida. Both graduated from the University of Florida, she from the College of Education and he from the Law School. When Bill's unit was activated for the Korean conflict, she returned home to Fort Lauderdale to live with her parents until Bill returned. Betty and Bill remained in Fort Lauderdale to raise their three children. She enjoyed serving our community by philanthropy and serve through Beaux Arts, a Cub Scout Den Mother and as a volunteer librarian, helping to keep the Wilton Manors Elementary School Library open all day. Both her parents, Robert V. Roberts and Elizabeth Card Roberts, her brother, Robert V. Roberts. and her husband of 56 years, William F. Leonard, predeceased her; sister, Dottie Gross (Max) remains. She has three children, William R. Leonard (Melanie), Charles Glenn Leonard (Reta), and Betsy Leonard Booth. Betty is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. "Betty" was a devoted wife, loving and gracious mother and grandmother. Her family wishes to acknowledge and thank Deyon Thompson (a true angel) for taking care of our mother these past four years. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to the "Betty and Bill Leonard Scholarship Fund" for math and science teachers at the University of Florida. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 5, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 1750 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL.
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