Caroline Leonard Sellers

Ora Caroline Leonard Sellers, age 96, of Lexington passed away Saturday, November 8, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Wednesday in the Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel with Rev. Kelly Barefoot and Rev. Dr. William B. Shrout, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3:00 until 4:00 pm prior to the service and at other times at the home of Jim and Rebecca Sellers. Caroline was born in Davidson County, March 30, 1918 to George W. Leonard, Sr. and Minnie Florence Staley Leonard. She graduated from Lexington High School and then attended an all-girls school in Ellerbe, NC, where she met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. During World War II, Caroline moved to Baltimore to join the war effort and was employed by Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company, where she worked as a welder and riveter on bombers used by the US Military and Allied forces. Caroline would eventually join the American Rosie the Riveter Association, which she was a member of until her death. While working for Glenn Martin Aircraft Company she met her future husband, James H. Sellers, Sr. of Hollidaysburg, PA. Together, they had three children and were active members of the community. Caroline was a lifelong member of Second Reformed United Church of Christ in Lexington, where she was a longtime nursery teacher and active in Sunday School, circle groups and all church events. In her later years, Caroline was committed to assisting other senior citizens. She was a frequent volunteer for Meals on Wheels and she also devoted her time and efforts to the AARP. She and her husband, who was an officer with the organization, traveled widely for the group. Caroline participated in the North Carolina Senior Games for many years, winning numerous awards. She also enjoyed activities at the Lexington Senior Center. An animal lover, Caroline nurtured many cherished pets throughout her life. She was also an avid learner who frequently participated in enrichment courses. Caroline had a particular interest in family and local history , contributing numerous stories for publication. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Sellers, Sr.; a son, Michael O. Sellers; two brothers, Clyde and George W. Leonard, Jr.; two infant sisters; and three adult sisters, Nell L. Ayers, Ruth L. Young and Pearl L. Miller. Caroline is survived by her son, Jim Sellers (Rebecca); daughter, Georgeanna Sellers (Artie Burkhart) all of Lexington; granddaughter, Jennifer Sellers; grandson, Jeff Sellers (Tiffany); two great-granddaughters, Claire and Alana Sellers, all of Greensboro. Memorials may be directed to Second Reformed United Church of Christ, 330 North Church Street, Lexington, NC 27292, Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net