Elizabeth (Betsy) Edwards Leonard

Elizabeth (Betsy) Edwards Leonard, 75, passed away on July 10, 2022, in Wilmington, NC. She was born March 27, 1947, in Wilmington, the daughter of William Eugene (Gene) Edwards and Elizabeth Hutaff Edwards.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, John Lynn Leonard, III; two sons, Christopher John Leonard (Laura) and William Eugene Leonard (Michelle); five grandchildren, Emma Elizabeth Leonard, Christopher John (Jack) Leonard, Jr., Graham William Leonard, Chase Michael Leonard, and Ellie Grace Leonard; and her brother, William (Bill) Eugene Edwards, Jr. (Bobbie), along with nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Betsy was born and raised in Wilmington. She graduated from Queens College in Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree and then went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to obtain a master’s degree in communications.

Betsy met John at Auburn University where she was a writer, producer and director for Alabama Public Television at Auburn University and he was an instructor in the Veterinary College at Auburn.

Betsy served as business manager for John’s veterinary practice in Wilmington for over 20 years. Her second career was in real estate for Intracoastal Realty.

She was a devoted volunteer and leader for the Junior League of Wilmington (president), Cape Fear Academy (board of trustees), St. James Parish (vestry), the Catherine Kennedy Home Foundation (board of directors), and the Cape Fear Community College Foundation (chair), where she founded Holiday Helpers with the goal of helping CFCC students provide a joyful Christmas for their children.

Betsy also enjoyed playing tennis every week for many years with a group of dear friends and passed on her love of tennis and other active pursuits to her children and grandchildren.

The family is very grateful for the kindness and patience of Betsy’s caregivers and medical providers as well as all of her friends who visited and phoned Betsy during the last few years of her illness.

A service to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Parish (Episcopal) in Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holiday Helpers at the Cape Fear Community College Foundation.