Leona Mae Strain

Leona Mae Strain, born on May 19, 1921, in Cumby, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Raised with 10 siblings on the family farm in Burrow, Texas, Leona's life was marked by her unwavering faith in God, her infectious smile, and her deep love for her family and friends.

She married her soulmate, Jimmy, in 1943 in Greenville, Texas, and together they built a life filled with joy and devotion along with their two children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Leona earned a degree in Music from East Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas A&M University - Commerce) and taught school in Leonard, Texas before becoming a stay-at-home mom once they moved from Dallas to Houston, Texas. She loved singing in the choir at Bethany Methodist Church and being involved in the Challengers Sunday School class. Later, they moved to First Church in downtown Houston and were very active in the Adelphi Sunday School class. Leona loved playing the piano and celebrating holidays with her beloved neighbors.

Leona spent her final years at Clarewood House, where the employees and friends became her extended family. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, painting, playing the piano, and knitting. She also enjoyed making beaded jewelry and flower pens well into her 100’s.

Leona was affectionately known as “Mimi” to her grand and great-grandkids and "Sister" to her siblings, nieces and nephews. She was best known for her bubbly personality, infectious giggles, kindness, generosity, and the warmth she brought to everyone she met.

Leona is preceded in death by her husband, James (Jimmy) H. Strain, daughter Mary Strain Vaughn, parents Robert Crowell and Mattie Dowell Crowell, siblings Porter Crowell, Bonnie Gentry, Opal Crowell, Vernell Crowell, Herman Crowell, Christine Davison, Bob Crowell, Buddie Crowell, Buck Crowell, and Billy Crowell. She is survived by her son, James (Jimbo) Strain, her grandson, Jamie Dedman and wife JJ, granddaughter, Missy Mayer and husband Jeff Holland, her great-grandchildren, Emily Dedman, Alex and Mikey Mayer, and Harrison Holland, among many other loving nieces and nephews.

Leona will be remembered as a beacon of love, faith, and joy. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on April 5, 2025 at the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas. Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00pm and graveside services will be held thereafter.

In honor of Leona, donations can be sent to First Methodist Houston or Clarewood House Charitable Trust (designate Employee Fund in memo) at 7400 Clarewood Drive, Houston, Texas 77036.

Leona's family would like to give special recognition to her dear friend Lynn Larson for the special attention with her balloons, cards, and homemade treats to celebrate each occasion; Ann Bradford, for all the roses over the years; and lastly, Rosemary Self for her unwavering daily support of Leona through the very end. She has been her guardian angel.