Michele Rene Leonard

Michele Rene Leonard (nee Surratt), passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 30, 2024, in Winston Salem, NC, at the age of 60. With her loving husband and children by her side after a heroic battle with cancer.

Born on June 16, 1964, in Lexington, NC, Michele was a beacon of creativity, ambition and warmth, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Michele’s life was marked by her boundless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. She was a talented photographer and an ingenious craftswoman, known for her handmade antique bird feeders, wind chimes, and designer children’s clothes.

Michele’s flair for creativity extended to sewing, where she fashioned everything from custom shirts, waitress aprons and reupholstered clothes. Her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and turn any vision into a reality was admired by many.

Her hobbies were as diverse and vibrant as her personality. Michaele was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and found joy in worship and living her faith. She cherished time spent with her family and children, creating lasting memories whether through hiking, gardening, or hunting for seashells at the beach.

Michele also enjoyed making YouTube vlogs with her husband, clogging, singing, and sharing stories of her childhood. Her love for exploring antique stores and Goodwill was only matched by her passion for crafting.

Michele was known to live life to the fullest and live unapologetically for her bright personality.

Michele’s life was a tapestry woven with deep personal relationships. She is survived by her loving husband, Kelly, daughters, Skylar and Chesley; son, Bill; stepchildren, Molly and Matthew, sister, Tammy; brothers, Randall and Brian; She was preceded in death by her parents, Brenda and Walton Keith Jr (Bill).

The celebration of Michele’s Journey to Heaven will be held at New Friendship United Church of Christ on Saturday, July 6th at 2:00 pm, with the Rev. Alex Nance, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Her life and legacy will be remembered as a testament to her loving nature and her unwavering kindness, generosity, and strength. Michele’s sprit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her, as her life’s work and devotion to her family and friends remain a cherished memory in the hearts of many.