Bettye Leonard

Bettye Leonard was born July 5, 1923 in Ramer, TN the daughter of the late Hubert and Allie McCalpin Shannon.

She was united in marriage to William Oliver Leonard on June 20, 1952. Mr. Leonard preceded her in death on December 22, 1984.

Mrs. Leonard was a member of the First Baptist Church in Selmer, Tennessee since 1956. She taught the VotaVita Sunday school class for 14 years. She had a great love for her church and church family. She was active in Bible studies not only at her church but at First United Methodist Church and First Christian Church.

She along with her husband, Oliver owned and operated Leonard's Cafe for over 20 years. She sold the business in 1987 to Pat Knight and continued to work at Pat's Cafe 3 days a week until she retired in 2009. She was a wonderful baker, and was known for her strawberry cake and her famous fried pies. When her health declined, she supervised James and Nina in the making of fried pies. She canned vegetables, made homemade pickles, and enjoyed sharing food with her neighbor.

Mrs. Leonard was a Christian, a breast cancer survivor, and a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. The legacy she leaves to her family is one of faith, courage, and love.

Mrs. Leonard departed this life on February 27, 2018 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 94 Years, 7 Months, 22 Days. She is survived by a son, James Kientz and wife Nina of Selmer, TN; a granddaughter, Michelle Kientz of Selmer, TN; a great-grandson, Rhett Kientz Bivens of Selmer, TN; nieces and nephews; her church family; and her card playing girls.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Leonard was preceded in death by two sisters, Versie Potts and Opal Shannon; two brothers, James Warren Shannon, Jimmy Shannon.