Shirley Leonard

With deep love and profound sorrow, the family of Shirley Jean Leonard announces her peaceful passing on September 4, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born on February 5, 1937, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Martha Lee Lucas (Westry) and Bob Lucas. She was the cherished sister to five brothers: Ernest Lucas aka Weeney (Bernice), James Daniel Lucas aka JD (Shirley, first marriage; Mary, second marriage), Willie Paul Lucas aka Snooky, Dan McCoy Lucas aka Bo (Georgia), and Larry Lucas (Brenda, first marriage; Carrie, second marriage). Shirley was the last surviving sibling, and leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Jean.

In 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Johnnie B. Leonard. Together, they moved to Washington, D.C., where they built a life founded on love, hard work, and shared purpose. Their marriage spanned an incredible 60 years until Johnnie B.'s passing in 2015. Before his death, Johnnie entrusted their grandson Jafar with a special request: to take care of his beloved "Jean." Jafar honored that promise with unwavering devotion, caring for his grandmother over the last decade of her life.

Shirley was a proud graduate of Nash Central High School in Nashville, North Carolina. Her professional life was marked by integrity and dedication. She worked as a cashier, payroll clerk, bookkeeper, and H&R Block tax consultant before retiring as Finance Director at Pine View Manor Nursing Home in Clinton, Maryland.

Shirley is survived by her loving children: Brenda J. Leonard Rufus El (Rahn); grandchildren: Tariq A. Adl Bey, Jafar A. Adl El, and Shakirah A. Adl Rufus; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Eric Giovanni Travers (age 9) and Eli Xavier Travers (age 6). She is predeceased by her son, Michael Leonard (Addie) who passed February 6, 2020.

A woman of warmth and many passions, Shirley found joy in crocheting, solving jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo, and watching her favorite show, Columbo. She loved trips to Dover Downs, and vacations to Florida and Nags Head brought her peace and laughter. A woman with a generous heart, she was a dedicated supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, often referring to the children she helped as "My Sweet Children."

Her kindness, strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. Shirley's legacy lives on through the love she gave, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was dear to her heart.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that Shirley is now reunited with her beloved Johnnie B., resting peacefully in God's eternal embrace.