Mary Koontz Leonard

Mary Magdalene Koontz Leonard, 94, of Old U.S. Highway 52, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at her home. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Beulah United Church of Christ Cemetery by the Rev. Benn Fleming. Mrs. Leonard was born in Davidson County on Nov. 15, 1911, to Artis Lee Koontz and Mattie Lanier Koontz. She was a homemaker and a member of Beulah United Church of Christ. She enjoyed her much-beloved flowers, which Bob Timberlake immortalized in his painting, "Mrs. Leonard's Marigolds." She was preceded in death by her husband, David Gerard Leonard. Surviving are her two sons, Gene Leonard of Winston-Salem and Phil K. Leonard and his wife, Kitty, of Lexington; two daughters, Carolyn Leonard Cheatwood and her husband, Charles, of San Angelo, Texas, and Nancy Marie Leonard of the home; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lucille Thyer of Lexington. The family will receive friends at the church fellowship hall following the service. Memorials may be made to Beulah United Church of Christ, 2828 Arnold Road, Lexington, NC 27295.