Frances Leonard's Obituary
Frances Smith Leonard, age 92, passed into her Heavenly reward on June 28, 2023. Her passion in life was service to her Lord Jesus Christ. She served as a Bible Teacher, pastor’s wife, and promoted Christian mission activities. For five years, she was Director of Women’s Missions for the San Diego Baptist Association and served in several churches as Missions leader. Frances also served as President of the Women’s Guild of California Baptist University during the 1990s.
Frances was born on February 27, 1931 in Luna, NM and grew up in Texas. She considered herself a “yellow rose of Texas.” She graduated from Lampasses, TX High School and earned a Bachelors degree at Baylor University. She married Merrill C. Leonard at Roanoke, TX in 1950. After serving at churches in China Springs and Axtell, TX, they came to California in 1956. They served at churches in Whittier, San Diego, Bakersfield, and El Monte where her husband pastored. She was a dedicated choir member at all churches and often performed solos. Her husband also served as a Navy Chaplain during the Viet Nam War. She worked as a Claims Supervisor for the Social Security Administration.
She was a devoted wife and mother. She was predeceased by her husband and son, Stephen K. Leonard. She is survived by her sons David and wife Kim of Riverside, CA; and Timothy and wife Leah of Ontario, CA. She is also survived by three grandchildren Sarah Quezada, Kati Phong, and Tyler Leonard; and four great grandchildren Lola, Julian, Spencer, and Olivia.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on August 12, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Clairemont with pastor Adam Christman officiating. Attendees are encouraged to include blue, purple, or bright colors in their apparel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Leonard Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship Fund of California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. Arrangements by Clairemont Mortuary.
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