Mrs. Betty Leonard

December 11, 1934 - October 15, 2017

Mrs. Betty Jean Leonard was born in Forest City, NC on December 11, 1934 to the late parents Winnie Greene and Osborne McKinney. She Departed this life on October 15, 2017 to be with the Lord. Her heritage was of Indian descent. Her grandmother (on her father side) was of native Cherokee descent by the name of Hessie Watkins who married Wesley McKinney. They lived in Gaffney SC and buried at Suck Creek Baptist Church SC. Great grandparents (on mothers side) was Tiny and James Greene from Forest City NC. She was named after her great grandmother Betty Watkins. Mrs. Betty J Leonard moved to Washington, DC when she was 18 years old along with her brother Maurice CJ McKinney and Mozelle McKinney after graduating high school. She later married Willie G. Leonard and from that union she had four children, Willie Leonard Jr., Sandra Leonard, Jacqueline Whitehead and Gregory Leonard. She also adopted Tyrone (Jr.) and Rudolph Washington, LaQuanna. She retired from the Navy Annex after many years of service. Betty loved good music (old R & B), she loved to dance, loved to laugh (and what a laugh!). She enjoyed watching her soap operas General Hospital and Young and the Restless. Her favorite colors were red and black. She is preceded in death by her husband Willie G. Leonard, Sr., her two brothers Maurice "CJ" McKinney and Alvin McKinney. One sister Mozelle McKinney and her sister-in-law Thelma M. McKinney. Her two surviving sisters are Lula M. Monroe and Delores Spriggs. She also leaves behind her two best friends Carolyn Ivey and Pam Butler. All her favorite beautiful grandchildren as which there are many and at least 24 great great grandchildren. She was well loved and opened her home to many, always helping those she loved. She leaves behind a host of family and friends.