Ila "Bill" Virginia Knouse Leonard

Mrs. Ila “Bill” Virginia Knouse Leonard, 89, of Center Church Road, left her earthly home to continue her journey with the Lord on November 30, 2006. She was born in Forsyth County on May 9, 1917 to Jacob Thomas Knouse and Sarah Estelle Knouse. She graduated from Arcadia High School and later from Ideal Business College in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Leonard grew up in Arcadia and was an active member of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. She was known for her beautiful singing voice, and sang at many church and community functions. Her signature song was “His eye is on the sparrow”. Mrs. Leonard was also a member of a vocal trio with her two sister, Opal and Violet. Growing up she worked on the family farm and sold produce and flowers at the Winston-Salem curb market. On October 12, 1946 she married Fred O. Leonard, Jr. and moved to Welcome. They later joined Center United Methodist Church where she served as choir director for a short time. She managed the family farm along with her husband and raised their two children. Later in life she raised her granddaughter. Mrs. Leonard enjoyed crocheting and many people treasure her afghans. She was a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class and a member of the United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her two children Ronnie Leonard and Donna Gregory, and a sister, Opal Miller. She is survived by a granddaughter, Michelle Gregory of the home, a sister Violet Knouse of Arcadia, two nephews, Kent Miller and Steve Miller and wife Nancy, three great-nephews, Todd Miller, Ronnie Miller and Donnie Miller all of Arcadia. She has many special friends who were dear to her as she grew older. The visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Saturday, December 2, at Davidson Funeral Home – Hickory Tree Chapel. The funeral service will be held Sunday, December 3, at 4:00 PM at Center United Methodist Church in Welcome. The funeral will be followed by a Candle Light burial service in the Center United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Center United Methodist Church Fellowship Center Fund or to the Church Music Fund; PO Box 179, Welcome, NC 27374.