Frances Jean Leonard

Frances was born on January 4, 1947 to John and Esther Leonard in Oklahoma City. After graduating from Harding High School, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Central State University.

Frances taught math at Western Oaks in Putnam City from 1969 to 1976 and at Sequoyah Middle School in Edmond from 1976 to 2010. During her teaching career, she earned numerous awards including Sequoyah Teacher of the Year 1998-1999 and Edmond Teacher of the Year Finalist 1998-1999. Miss Leonard, as she was known to her students, worked tirelessly to build confidence in her students and instill in them a love for math. She tutored countless students over the years and was responsible for many passing grades.

Besides helping students through teaching, Frances also enjoyed helping others through volunteering. She lost a brother in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and became very involved in the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. She was vital in creating the Memorial’s Educational Program for schools and was presented with the June Ranney Special Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer in 2005. Frances also volunteered with Ministries of Jesus at Henderson Hills Baptist Church where she was a member for 49 years.

If Frances wasn’t teaching or volunteering, you could find her working in her garden, cooking something delicious, crafting, sewing, or spending time with her nieces, nephews, and her dog.

Frances is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Donald, and her brother, Roger. She is survived by her brother, Earnest Leonard; her brother, John Leonard; 8 nephews, 2 nieces, 2 great-nephews, 6 great-nieces, and her dachshund, Millie.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Ministries of Jesus at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, or Integris Hospice House.