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 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 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 Christion 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