Cornelia "Connie" Canoy Leonard

Cornelia “Connie” Canoy Leonard, age 88 of Rhodes Road, Lexington passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 at her home. Funeral service will be held 4:00 pm Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Becks Reformed Church, where she was a member with Revs. James Byers and Ed Armfield officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Davidson Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Tuesday night and at other times at the home on Rhodes Road. Connie was born June 26, 1928 in Randolph County to Devie Worth and Winifred Spencer Canoy. She was a graduate of Trinity High School and High Point Business College. Connie was a housewife and mother the first eighteen years of marriage, she then was employed at Manhattan Shirt Company for many years. Connie became involved in Republican politics after receiving a nudge from her father-in-law, RBL Leonard, of Hedricks Grove. She worked in the county GOP headquarters throughout the 1970's and 1980's. She attended the Republican National Convention in Miami, Florida in 1972 and also helped run a Republican telephone bank in 1976. She served as secretary of the Davidson County Party from 1978 to 1982 and Vice Chairman in 1984. She then served as secretary of the Sixth District Republican Committee beginning in 1996. She worked 14 years as District Representative for Congressman Howard Coble, a job she loved and felt honored to have. During that time Congressman Coble honored Connie for her passion for Veterans. Connie compiled War stories from 160+ Veterans and put them together in book form giving each Veteran a copy. Some of these stories had never been told, she told the Veterans their grandchildren needed to know what they had given for their Country. Connie retired at age 70 and for 3 years took care of her husband "Dave" thru ALS Disease. In 2001 the NC Republican Party recognized her for her years of contributions to the GOP by naming her to the party's statewide Hall of Fame. Connie's response was "I told them it's not something I deserve, but it's something I will cherish." Connie worked with Contact of Davidson County , served as secretary of the Genealogical Society of Davidson County, served as president of VFW Post 3074 Women's Auxiliary. At Friday nights Bingo at VFW Post 3074 she made many Hot Dogs, took many pictures with Veterans Parades and Post Burial Detail. She loved everyone at VFW Post 3074 and also American Legion Post 8. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 54 years, David "Dave" Lloyd Leonard; sister, Bea Canoy Baker; brothers, Devie Jr, Shelby, Troy, Lloyd, Jerry and Jimmy Canoy. granddaughter, Brandy Koonts. Connie is survived by sons; Dwayne Leonard (Aleta), Dwight Leonard (Karen); daughters, Davida “Dee” Beck (Paul), Davonna Davis (Randy), Darlynn Guest (David); Grandchildren, April Beck, Amy Lanning (Dave), Kevin Leonard (Amy), Benjiman Koontz, Jonathan Leonard (Lynn), David Reed Guest, Drew Guest (Brittany), Marsha Murrow, Jonna Murrow and Halley Castleberry; 15 great- grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Norma Canoy Pierce, brother, Joe Canoy (Jackie); sister in law, Lusia Canoy and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to thank Nanna's caregiver Mary Humphries, Hospice of Davidson County and the Life Center of Davidson County for all the love and prayers shown during her illness. Also throughout her years volunteering and making friends the family is grateful to all who blessed her and shared their life stories. Connie loved helping others and never wanted the attention placed on her, she loved her family and friends. Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net