Sue Leonard

Sue Withers Leonard passed peacefully from her family and loved ones in Houston, Texas, on June 29, 2016, at the age of ‘almost 89’ years old. She was born into the wonderful family of Richard and Ruby Withers, along with her brothers, Mackin Henry and Terry Blue, and her sister Patricia Lois, - all of whom have predeceased her.

She and her husband, Ralph Charles Leonard, loved to travel and fish – as well as spend time with their grandchildren. They lived all over the United States before retiring to their home in Burleson, Texas. Preceded in death by her husband, Mrs. Leonard later moved to Houston to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where she enjoyed many years of fun and laughter. Sue lived independently at Brookdale-Terrace, Willowbrook, which she relished immensely. She loved keeping up with the Rangers and Astros and watching their games – as well as the Rockets. Sue ran track, played softball and basketball in high school, and continued playing softball as a young adult.

In the early days of computer technology, Sue worked as an IBM keypunch operator – a fact she was very proud to admit, but she was also a successful homemaker, gourmet cook and interior decorator. Her greatest accomplishment was that of ‘caregiver’ and she took care of everyone she knew who needed help. Her faith was strong and she felt like she had been called to take care of others, which she did willingly and gladly. She often told her children that the “good Lord” had been good to her and she thanked Him every day for it! This knowledge comforts those of us who are left behind, even though we will miss her daily.

Cahill United Methodist Church was important in her life – she grew up in this church as a little girl. As a young adult, she was a steward and prepared sacraments for Communion Sundays, and also taught Bible stories to the little children in Sunday School. After she returned to Burleson in her retirement years, she returned to Cahill as a faithful member.

Mrs. Leonard is survived by her son, Bill Brantley and his wife Deborah from Canyon, Texas, and her son-in-law and daughter, Gary and Cheryl Seawright of Cypress, Texas. She showered love on all her family – especially her grandchildren, Susanna and Mike Price and Katie Seawright, and Kari Kirkpatrick, as well as her great-grandsons, Luke, Brecken and Dillon – who loving refer to her as “Grammy.” In addition, she is survived by nieces, D’Anne Watkins and Lissette Edwards and her husband, Kelly, and nephews, Scott Withers and Keith Kendrick and his wife, Dana.

We will miss this amazing woman – our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend – and we will remember the countless good times we shared with her.

In keeping with her wishes, her final resting place on earth will be with her family and friends who have gone before her – at the Pleasant Point Cemetery.