December 20, 1949-July 29, 2026

Leona Jean Jacobsen Redding, lovingly known as Lea, was born on December 20, 1949, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Clifford Jacobsen and Delores Bosch. She was healed and entered into her heavenly home on July 29, 2026. She grew up with four brothers, Daniel, Ronald, Wayne, and Randy, and one sister, Angela. Lea graduated from high school in 1967, attended Rutherford’s Business School, and once ran for Miss Arlington.

Lea met the love of her life, Alva “Bud” Redding , at the Trailways bus station in Dallas. True to her confident and warmhearted nature, Lea was the one who called and asked him out. After dating for three months, they married on August 2, 1969, in Arlington. Through that marriage, Lea welcomed two bonus daughters, Karen and Kelly, into her heart and family. Their son, Scott, was born on April 27, 1973, and Lea often said that being Scott’s mother was the accomplishment that made her most proud.

Lea was warmly embraced by the Redding family. Granddaddy Redding loved her dearly, and Granny Redding taught her how to drive. These family bonds became part of the loving foundation on which Lea built her life.

After Scott was born, the family moved to Ventura, California, where they lived for three months. Their early years together were not always easy, and they often lived from paycheck to paycheck, but they built a life grounded in love, perseverance, and devotion to one another. Lea and Bud celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing on August 13, just days after his birthday.

Lea began her professional life as a secretary with Dow Chemical. She later worked for Witco and its successor companies for 46 years before retiring. Throughout multiple company transitions and buyouts, Lea’s loyalty, dependability, and strong work ethic remained constant. She also served for many years on the Witco Credit Union board.

Faith became the foundation of Lea’s life when, at age 24, a preacher visited her home on an ordinary Thursday evening to speak with her and Scott. That night, mother and son accepted Christ together and were later baptized. Lea remained a devoted Christian and was a member of her church for more than 20 years.

Lea served her church faithfully in many roles. She kept the church’s books and served as treasurer, sang solos and participated in the choir, welcomed people as a greeter, and regularly provided rides for fellow church members. Her service was practical, joyful, and rooted in her desire to care for others.

Lea’s life was marked by resilience. She weathered several hurricanes and many of life’s storms, meeting them with faith, determination, and a smile. She treasured enduring friendships, including more than 35 years of friendship with Wanda and Linda.

Above all, Lea wanted to be remembered for her kindness. When asked what her 70-year-old self would tell her 30-year-old self, she answered, “Be kind to everyone. When you are kind to others, they will be kind back to you.” She wanted people to remember that she was kind and that she always tried to have a smile.

Lea is survived by her son, Scott; her bonus daughters, Karen and Kelly (Steven) ; her brothers, Wayne and Randy (Korneila) ; her sister, Angela Tedder (David) ; her sister-in-law Maria “Teresa” Fernandez; sister-in-law’s Bonnie Horton-Walker (Howard);  MariVonne Essex-Hyams (Bob) , Iris Hammontree (John) and brother-in-law J.R. Redding, Jr (Rosalynn) and other beloved relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Alva, her parents Clifford Jacobsen and Delores Bosch, and her brothers Daniel and Ronald and in-laws Newburn and Nell Redding.

Lea leaves a legacy of faith, family, service, perseverance, and kindness. Her loved ones will remember her ready smile, generous heart, steadfast devotion to her church, and the simple but powerful way she made others feel cared for. Although she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in the promise of Christ and the hope of seeing her again.

This is a Celebration of Leona’s life, please come dressed casually.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a Funeral service on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with Visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM and the Service to begin at 11:00 AM at Renovation City Church, 2101 Garden Rd Pearland, TX 77581. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Renovation City Church.

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