Elizabeth “Beth” Leachman, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, the 4th of August 2024. She was born the 13th of July 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bernice Stewart and HM Van Buskirk. She spent her childhood in the oil fields of Healdton amidst the Depression and the Dust Bowl. She was assistant editor of the local town newspaper in high school and graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. She attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society while there. She graduated from Southern Methodist University and was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women. During her senior year she met a young engineer recently home from military service named George S. Leachman. They would marry after her graduation and begin their life adventure together in Dallas. They were blessed to welcome three children while in Dallas, Beth Anne, Leonard and David. The oil business took them to Houston in 1963 and they were delighted to complete their family in 1965 with their daughter Meg.
Beth and George immediately fell in love with Houston and cherished their many wonderful friends and neighbors over the years. They were involved in many local activities including PTA and other civic activities. Beth was past president of the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Houston and also served as an Alumnae Province President for the fraternity. Beth and George were fortunate to fulfill a passion for traveling the world extensively throughout their marriage. One of their most important associations was as members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where they attended over 50 years. Both served in various capacities from Elder to Sunday School teacher. While George worked abroad later in his career, Beth joined the staff of Pastoral Care at MDPC and was committed to delivering God’s message of love and healing in her work there.
George passed away in 2006 and Beth began a new chapter in her life. She especially cherished the friendships in her book clubs, Sunday School class and Pi Phi Bridge groups. The past 8 years she has resided at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza where she made many deep and meaningful relationships. She was known as “The Mayor of the Abbey” for her desire to always make everyone feel welcome.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George; brother John R. Van Buskirk; nephew Kel and grandson Duncan. She is survived by her loving family including children; Beth Whitney and her husband Clayton, Leonard Leachman and his wife Renee, David Leachman and his wife Tina, Meg Chmura and her husband Tom; grandchildren, Russell Whitney and his wife Carrie, Stewart Whitney and his wife Kali, Claire Whitney, Molly Leachman, Oma Leachman, Anita Leachman and great- grandchildren James Whitney, Elle Whitney, Elizabeth Whitney; sister-in-law Ann Van Buskirk and her Stewart cousins.
The family would like to thank Zachary Smith, MD, Shola Omitola and Lois Luce for their compassionate care in her final year. They truly allowed her to live her life to the fullest while preserving her comfort and dignity.
A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 16th of August in the chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston. Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Parlor.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston 77024 or the Houston Pi Beta Phi Foundation, 1940 Fountain View #424, Houston 77057 supporting literacy; or the charity of one’s choice.
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