Leona Catherine Kirby

She was born the daughter of the late Clyde Eugene Richey and Floy Jeanette Beal Richey on March 11, 1929 in Catawba County. Leona was a lifelong member of Fellowship Advent Christian Church in Bethlehem. She worked for many years at Singer Sewing in Hickory where she was an award winning sales person. Leona and her late husband, Floyd, owned and operated Clayton Marcus Cafeteria for many years. She spent 25 years showing horses with her family across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Leona and Floyd also ran Tip-Top Stables together. In her later years, Leona worked with Wike’s Cleaners where she did alterations and was an excellent seamstress. Leona also enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music and attending auctions with her daughters for many years.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Floyd Avery Kirby.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters; Sharon Norris and husband Rick of Bethlehem, Deana Kirby and husband Paul Sizemore of Hickory, grandchildren; Amy McManus, Paige Sapp, and Chad Craig, great-grandchildren; Allison Jones, Melea Sapp, Katie Morgan, and Emma Morgan.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at Fellowship Advent Christian Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Church. Pastor Dave Ross and Rev. Paul Sizemore will be officiating the service.