Leanour McCrory

Leanour was the loving mother to her two children: daughter, Laverne Wallace, of Florida and son, Jason Richardson, of Baltimore.

She moved to Reading, PA in 1982. It was in Reading that she met Franklin McCrory, who became the love of her life. They were married on April 17, 1982. The couple shared 36 years together until his death on October 10, 2018.

Leanour had been employed by the H. Oritsky company, a clothing and tailoring company in Reading . She began working for the company in 1984 and retired as a supervisor in 2001.

Leanour was a longtime member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Reading, where she had served formerly as a steward (including as the pastor’s steward), class leader, vice president of the Missionary Society and treasurer of the Usher Board. In October of 2012 she was awarded the Shield of Faith Award by the Bethel’s Men’s Day Committee. The award was presented in recognition of her “outstanding faith in the midst of trying circumstances.”

Leanour continually gave of her time and talents to her church. Her fruit trays, which she often would donate to the church for special luncheons and dinners, were coveted for their beautiful arrangements.

Over the years, Leanour received many awards from her church and community, including the Mother of the Year Award from the Missionary Society, and the Women’s Day Appreciation Award in 2011 for outstanding service to the church and community. In 2007 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Reading.

Leanour was a talented seamstress and also loved baking. She was a member of the Sew-N-Sew Club of Reading and Allentown and made beautiful outfits for their annual fashion show fundraisers. Her sense of style was impeccable and her car always seemed to find its way to T.J. Maxx to check out the newest fashions and accessories.

In addition to her son and daughter, Leanour is survived by stepchildren: Dexter McCrory, Vivian McCrory, Pam Smith; and sister-in-laws Gloria Ann Harrison, Julia Moore and Gladys Crawl.

She was a loving grandmother to her son Jason’s four children: her granddaughters Mekayla Clarke (with whom she shared a very special bond), and Logan Richardson, and grandsons Jeremiah and Matthew Richardson. Her other grandchildren, each of whom she loved very much are: Yolanda Alsobrook, Tyres McCrory, Cristopher McCrory, Nivea Ellis, Kacie Callier, Jacob McCrory, Devon McCrory, Chloe McCrory, Elijah McCrory, and Danielle McCrory.

There are also also great grandchildren: Gasmyne Partridge, Myesha Parridge, Graylan Partridge, and Gavyn Partridge, and Messiah McCrory; and great great grandchildren: Jaylen McCrory, Justin McCrory, Nathaniel Sapp, Adarius Copeland, Johnathan Ellis, Zion Partridge and Kelley Carter. There is also a great great grandchild Jayden Jones, Zion Partridge and Kenley Carter.

There are also 20 nieces and 20 nephews, and a host of godchildren.

Leanour was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank McCrory; and three stepchildren: Georgia Ann Eady, Deverly McCrory, and Franklin McCrory.

A viewing for Leanour will be Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM at Bethel AME Church, 330 W Windsor Street, Reading, PA 19601, followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 9:15 AM.

Leanour will be laid to rest in Charles Evans Cemetery. Theo C Auman Funeral Home Reading is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.theocauman.com for the McCrory Family.