Elizabeth "Liz" A. Leonard

Elizabeth "Liz" A. Leonard, 64, of Springfield, went home to be with the Lord at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at her home. Liz was born July 24, 1953 in Highland Park, IL, the daughter of Claude Pierce and Elinor Virginia Zimmer Brown. She married Ken Leonard on July 30, 1977 in Highland Park, IL. Liz graduated from Highland Park High School in 1971. She also graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL and taught in Springfield School District 186 for more than 27 years. Liz was a beloved wife, mother and grandma, and extremely devoted to her family. She spent most of her time at sporting events for her children and grandchildren. Liz was a devout Christian, a member of Springfield Bible Church, and an FCA Huddle Leader for over 20 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Philip Pearson. She is survived by her husband, Ken Leonard of Springfield; children, Derek (wife, Lindsey) Leonard of Springfield and Bradley (wife, Becky) Leonard of Springfield; grandchildren, Savannah Williams and J.P., Blake, Julia, and Austin Leonard; siblings, Barbra Brown of Highland Park, Claudia Brown of Honaunau, HI, Dorothy (husband, Glen) Gross of Boise, ID, and Claude (wife, Sue) Brown of Highland Park; aunt, Grace Bogart; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Jim Belz Gymnasium, Sacred Heart-Griffin West Campus, 1601 W. Washington, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Cherry Hills Baptist Church, 2125 Woodside Rd., Springfield with Rev. Bryan McKenzie and Rev. John Standard officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leonard Grandchildren Education Fund, Attn: Brian Brewer, at any Bank of Springfield location.