August 5, 1932 – November 8, 2024
Illa Maye Leonard, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother entered Eternal Life on Friday, November 8, 2024. She was born on August 5, 1932, in Canadian, Texas to her father, Willie Lewis Daniel and mother, Maggie Mae Daniel. Preceded in death by her husband John Emmit Leonard September 29, 2002, Mrs. Leonard attended the University of North Texas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education (1953) and later, a master’s degree in library science from Sam Houston State University in the late-1970’s.
Her teaching career began in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1954. She also taught at South Houston and Pearl Hall Elementary schools in Pasadena, Texas until the mid-1980’s. Later she also taught and managed opening media centers at an Intermediate School in Manchaca, Texas.
Mrs. Leonard is survived by two children, Wilma Kathryn Smith and her spouse Neil S. Smith and John Daniel Leonard and his spouse Teresa June Leonard. She is also survived by granddaughter, Erin Mesloh Nicholson and son-in-law Keith Allen Nicholson as well as granddaughter Adrienne Danielle Burton. She was also survived by six great-grandchildren, Ila Madeline Nicholson, Bryce Maxine Nicholson, Amelia Mae Burton, Brooke Nicole Butterfras, Ben John Butterfras and Bree Morgan Butterfras. She is also survived by her sister Glenda Daniel Lee. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and close friends including Jean Foster and Mike Foster. Known for her family generosity and professional generosity, Illa was a Stephen’s Minister in Friendswood.
She will be remembered by many from Pasadena Methodist Church, Friendswood Methodist Church and Winnie Methodist Church for her devoted Christian works as the hands of Christ in many troubled lives.
Services are to be held at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home in Friendswood, TX 77546 on Friday, November 15, 2024 with visitation at 12:00 PM and funeral starting at 1:00 PM. Interment to follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. alz.org
6 thoughts on “Illa Maye Leonard”
I’m saddened to know Granny Illa has left this earth but her Heavenly home welcomed her with so much joy and love. She was truly one of the sweetest sometimes sassiest woman I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She will be deeply missed. Much love, hugs, and prayers for family going forward. Sincerely Paul and Tiff
I'm so very sorry for the family's loss. Granny Ila will be greatly missed. Her sweet personality and beautiful smile was a blessing to all her knew her. Heaven has truly gained a precious soul. Love, hugs, and prayers to her family.
I loved eating Spinach sandwiches at her home in Pearland Tx with my best friend, her Grand daughter, Danielle. In her presence I only felt safe & accepted. Rest in Peace Granny.
My Sister-in-Law was the dearest, sweetest, loving person you could know. She and I had many long conversations about her love for the Lord and even politics. Illa ran a “tight ship” but she loved. She will be missed but I know she is in the presence of the Lord, her husband Sonny and all her family that went before her. I love you Illa 🧡
Deepest condolences to the Leonard family. I know she will be missed.
Illa was a beautiful person inside and out. She was talented, gracious and kind and had the sweetest smile. I know she is singing with the angels and dancing with Jesus. May our Lord surround you all and give you His comfort and peace. Praying for you all that you find joy in your memories of your extraordinary matriarch.