Mary Helen Speas Leonard

Mrs. Mary Helen Speas Leonard, age 82 of Mt. Airy, formerly of Cana, VA, passed away Monday, August 18, 2008 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mrs. Leonard was born in Carroll County, October 10, 1925 to Fredrick and Hallie Smith Speas. She and her late husband, Walter Brice Leonard, were well known orchardists in Cana, VA. Mrs. Leonard was retired from Adams-Millis and was also a certified nursing assistant. She was a devoted lifetime member of Epworth United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was a member of the WMU. Surviving is a sister, Dora S. Fleming of Mt. Airy; a sister-in-law, Elzia Speas of Cana, VA; ten nieces and two nephews who were all special to Helen, Frances Morrison, Virginia Watson, Jo Ann Fulk, Dorreen Hawks, Dianne Thomas, Janice Combs, Opal Dickman, Jeannie Utt, Leroy and Gary Speas. Nieces, Sylvia Chappell and Elaine Shelton were devoted caregivers for sometime. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Leonard was preceded in death by five brothers, Jess, Sid, C. H., Clyde and Edd Speas and by a step brother, Bill Avara. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at Epworth United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Bud Cameron. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 at Moody Funeral Home where she will remain until the time to be taken to the church to lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Bonnie Sechrist at 216 Holly Ave., Mt. Airy, NC 27030.
Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com