Phyllis Ann Paris Leonard

Phyllis Ann Parris Leonard , was born April 17, 1938, to the late Ann Lou and Calvin Louis Parris in Charleston, TN. She entered her eternal rest on Nov. 4, 2017. She was educated in the Bradley County School System and graduated from College Hill High School in Cleveland, TN. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. She confessed Christ and joined Mount Eagle Baptist Church at an early age and faithfully attended. She was active in many activities of the church, along with playing the piano and singing. She received her piano training from the late Maude Martin and was in many musical recitals. When Phyllis moved to Lexington she joined Emmanuel United Church of Christ. Then on January 15, 1994, she became a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member. Phyllis played the piano and sung in the choir, she also served on the Missionary Board and the Senior Saints. Before her Illness she was a nurse assistant for many years at Central Baptist Hospital. Once she retired, she still had the urge to work and became a sitter at the University of Kentucky Hospital. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard Felton Leonard.

Phyllis leaves behind her children to cherish her memories; James Anthony (Terri) Murphy, Valerie (Michael) Reese of Lexington, KY and Ronnie (Julia) Murphy of Lilburn, GA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her two brothers, Edward L. Parris of Cleveland, TN, Rev. James W. (Linda) Parris; one sister, Sharon L. (Wayne) Jarrett of Charleston, TN. Also a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her favorite scripture was “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky with Pastor Bishop Jerome Norwood the eulogist. Burial  followed in Evergreen Memory Gardens.