Judith Johnston Leonard

Judith Johnston Leonard, 77, Executive Director and Co-founder of Appalachian Mission Initiative Incorporated, and the beloved wife of Barry E. Leonard, deceased, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.   She was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Louisville, KY.

Judith (Judy), was born July 7, 1946, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Robert Lee and Edna Bray Johnston.

She met and married her beloved husband, Barry, while at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and most of their 52+ years of marriage were spent in Kentucky. 

While living in Richmond, Kentucky, Dr. Leonard retired from the College of Business & Technology, Eastern Kentucky University, where she was a tenured faculty member.  Judy re-entered the work force in 2002 as Director of Advancement for Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. While in that role Judy raised well over $5 million mainly for use as scholarships for needy students.

Family survivors include her son, Quinton Thomas Leonard (and Stacie) of Louisville, two grandchildren, Olivia Mae Leonard and Alicia Renae Leonard, and one sister, Rhonda Johnston McKay of North Charleston, South Carolina.  Other family members include a sister-in-law, Anita Leonard Carson (and Donald) of Low Gap, North Carolina. 

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023 at St Mark Catholic Church, 608 West Main Street, Richmond, Kentucky.  Fr. Thomas Farrell will officiate the service.  Visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m.   at the church.

Graveside service will be in Mt. Airy, N.C. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Richmond First United Methodist.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home.