Markeith Leona Leonard

At first glance, Markeith Leonard was a strong willed woman with endless energy, yet coupled with her loving and giving nature, she was quite a lady. Just as strong on the outside as she was on the inside, Markeith lovingly gave of her time and talents to those who needed it most. A treasure in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. The year 1929 was an especially difficult year for many as the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring Twenties gave way to hard economic times the world over. From coast to coast, financial uncertainty cascaded into panic with the crash of the stock market. Just merely the beginning of hard times in America, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. Mere months before these times of hardship, Charles and Zella (Bullard) Perry found much to be thankful for with the birth of their little girl, Markeith, born on June 8, 1929 nestled in the close knit community of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where the Perry's made their home. Markeith's father worked in the oil fields while her mother worked in the laundry at the State Home. Markeith grew up alongside her older sister, Betty, and younger brother, Donald. Her little brother, Jack, sadly died as an infant. Like many sisters, she and her sister often spat over chores. When it came to her brother, Donald, Markeith was his protector and always stood up for him. The special way Markeith felt about Donald remained throughout the years. After his untimely death in his mid-thirties, he left behind three young children. Sadly, a year later, the children's mother died, too. It was just like Markeith to step in and take two of Donald's children, Sandy and William to raise as her own. Her mother raised Donald's oldest child, Janet. Through the Great Depression and into World War II, Markeith enjoyed typical childhood times. She played with neighborhood friends, and attended the local schools. Fun was found enjoying the simple things in life, although Markeith experienced troubling times as a youngster including the loss of sight in one eye . As a young girl, Markeith worked at the local dime store in downtown Mt. Pleasant. During her teen years, she and her brother, Don would often double date. There was always some speculation that maybe Markeith was actually scoping out Dons future wife, being the over protective sister that she was! After graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1947, Markeith spent time with friends. While out at a local dance in the area, she met Archie Leonard. Although he initially didn't impress her too much, her feelings soon changed when they began dating and fell in love. On January 5, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Markeith and Archie were joined in marriage. Shortly after settling into married life together, they set out to begin a family of their own. In time, Markeith and Archie shared the love of two daughters, Brenda and Bonnie. The girls were Markeith's life, and there wasn't anything she wouldn't have done for them. Markeith's family by far was her greatest joy, and her proudest achievement. As a homemaker, she loved making a good home for them. Dinner was always ready when Archie came home from work, and she took care of the household bills. Markeith ran a tight ship, and wasnt one to wait around for others. As a mother she was attentive and involved as a parent, and was active in the lives of her children. Her daughter, Brenda was a good girl. Bonnie, however, at times tested Markeith's patience. After all, she possessed many of her mother's traits! Just the same, Markeith loved her girls beyond compare. Having converted to Catholicism before marrying Archie, Markeith became a woman deeply devoted to her faith. Always giving with a selfless heart, Markeith gave of her time and resources to church events. She was also very supportive of the Lions Club. When she lost the sight in one of her eyes as a child, the Lions Club paid for the surgery to implant a prosthetic replacement. Over the years, vacations were shared as a family. Although they never traveled outside of Michigan, they had memorable times visiting the local campgrounds each year. The holidays were extra special, and with Markeith's mother who lived just across the street, it was easy to be together as a family for the holidays. Markeith enjoyed following Tigers baseball, and in their younger years, she and Archie bowled quite often. In fact, each Sunday after church, they went bowling together as a family. The kids got to bowl the first two games, while the adults bowled the third. Following Archie's death, Markeith just didn't find the joy in bowling any longer. Her wedding day and the births of her children were counted as the happiest days of Markeith's life. She initially had difficulty conceiving a child, and she looked at her two beautiful daughters as a gift. They were much more than just special to her. She always made it a point to say, "I love you" before leaving, and she meant it with all her heart. Although strong-willed, Markeith Leonard led an active life surrounded by those she loved, and was involved in the things that meant the most to her. She truly cared about others, which was evident through her kind and giving spirit. She was a faithful woman who gave of her time and talents, and loved her family dearly. Deeply missed, she will be fondly remembered. Markeith Leonard, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Monday, April 8, 2013 at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant. She is survived by her two daughters, Brenda Flannery of Lake Isabella and Bonnie (Mike) Zingery of Shepherd; five grandchildren, Jason Flannery, Jill (Edward) Haney, Bridgett Zingery, Derrick (Jennifer) Zingery, and Travis Zingery; six great-grandchildren, Darren and Justin Flannery, Caleb and Marissa Haney, Weston Zingery and Kylie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie in 2001; sister, Betty Stanwick; brother, Donald Perry, and infant brother, Jack. A Funeral Mass for Markeith will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 10-11 AM prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To sign Markeith's online guest book or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.