Dixie Darlene Leonard

Dixie was born in Columbus on May 22, 1949 to the late Welda Oliver Woodruff and Cora Ann Thornsley. After high school, Dixie worked for many years in the healthcare field, working as an aide up to supervisor. On October 5, 1993, she married Jim Leonard. Dixie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her pets. Family was important to Dixie and she always stayed connected with them.

Along with her husband, Dixie is survived by her two daughters, Leslie (Ernie) Zimmerman and Sandi (Kyle) Decot; eight grandchildren: Shane Art, Travis Zimmerman, Ben Zimmerman, Haley (Jerry) Steele, Jake (Ciara) Wells, Ross Hodge, Mason Decot, and Bella Decot; five great-grandchildren: Bladen, Athena, Dominic, Norah, and Tylah; and her siblings, Chuck and Alice.

Along with her parents, Dixie is preceded in death by her brother, Butch, and her grandson, Joshua.

Per the family’s wishes, a cremation will take place. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For those who wish, contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, Columbus Office, 471 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.