Leona Mae Wilkie Schell

Leona Mae Wilkie Schell of Lenoir passed away on Sep 23, 2024. She was born in Newton, NC on December 22, 1933 to the late James Albert and Mae Hampton Wilkie. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Sidney Gerard (Jerry) Schell, and by her sister Frances Wilkie Reinhardt.

Leona graduated from Newton-Conover High School in 1952. While in high school she participated in the Glee Club and was a majorette in the marching band. She was honored with being named the Homecoming Queen in 1951 and May Day Queen in 1952.

Much of her working career was spent in the advertising field. Leona was a manager with Lynn Photo Company, which later became part of Alderman Studios. Then she went to work with Brendle’s in Elkin, NC, where they established a digital photography studio to take pictures for their catalogs and sale circulars.

Leona always said one of her most fulfilling jobs came next; working in Sen Jesse Helms’ western NC office. She really enjoyed helping constituents resolve their governmental issues. After that office closed, she worked with State Senator Jim Jacumin doing the same type of constituent service.

After her retirement at age 75, Leona enjoyed serving six years on the Caldwell County Health Board.

Leona grew up in the First Methodist Church in Newton, and always felt at home there. After moving to Caldwell County in 1960 she became a member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ in Lenoir. At Zion, she was an active worker and leader. She loved singing in the choir and among the many positions she held, served as a Deacon and an Elder.

Leona loved her family and always enjoyed spending time with them, and following their activities. She is survived by her son Duane H. Schell and wife Merrill of Banner Elk, NC, daughter Nancy S. Eddins and husband Wayne of Chesterfield, SC and son Michael G. Schell of Hickory, NC. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Derek Schell and wife Laura of Durango, CO, Stephen Eddins and wife Lyles of Charlotte, NC, Emily Schell of Spruce Pine, NC, and Scott Eddins and wife Rebecca of Columbia, SC; and six great-grandchildren; Coleman Eddins and Brockman Eddins of Charlotte, NC, Charleigh Eddins and McNeil Eddins of Columbia, SC, Esai Schell of Durango, CO, and Jo Schell of Spruce Pine, NC.

The family will hold a celebration of life service in the chapel at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 2:30pm. They will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30. Following the service, there will be an interment at Eastview Cemetery in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leona’s favorite charity, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.