Marshville- Evelyn M Leonard, 87, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor and resident of Autumn Care of Marshville died Sunday, March 22, 2015.

Evelyn was born in Somerville, Massachusetts to John and Myrtle McRae and was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy and son Donnie. She lived in Arlington, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charlotte, North Carolina and Peachland, North Carolina before moving to Marshville.

Evelyn graduated from Upper Darby High School in Philadelphia in 1945 living there as her father was stationed there as a shipwright for the United States Navy during World War II. She then soon returned with her family to Peachland where she met and married Jimmy Leonard in 1946 before moving to Marshville. Her first and only child, Donnie, was born in 1947.

Evelyn may be best remembered by Marshville residents as the Secretary at Marshville Elementary where she worked from 1969 until her retirement in 1989.

Evelyn's love of helping others extended beyond Marshville Elementary serving as a volunteer for multiple groups and organizations. Among these included serving as Financial Secretary for the Marshville United Methodist Church, where she also was a member, Treasurer of the Marshville United Methodist Church Women's Club, member of the Marshville Town Council, volunteer for the Nutrition for the Elderly program and preceded her time as a resident at Autumn Care by volunteering there for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Marshville Chapter #163 which included installation as Worthy Matron.

Evelyn enjoyed cooking, sewing and handicrafts such as wreath making, hand panting dishes and basket weaving. Her love of cooking was best brought forward with her pecan pies which included pecans from trees in her back yard. In her free time, she enjoyed visits to the mountains and the beach. She loved Christmas, children and her pet dog Dixie.

Evelyn is survived by her grandson, Robert Leonard and daughter-in-law Susan Leonard, both of Raleigh, North Carolina and numerous sister and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the Autumn Care staff, Marshville community and countless friends for their assistance with Evelyn's loving care and nurture for more than a decade.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 28 at 10:00AM at Morgan Funeral Home in Marshville with a service at 11:00AM. Internment will immediately follow at Marshville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her Memory to the Marshville United Methodist Church.