Leona Tennyson

Leona Kay Tennyson, 83, of Columbia, MO passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones October 26, 2023.
She was born August 18, 1940 in Boone County to Loyd Earl Estes and Annabelle Moreau Estes. She married Billy J. Tennyson on July 28, 1956.
Leona worked as a secretary at the University and as a housekeeper when she was younger, but she dedicated the majority of her life to her family. There was nothing more important to her than caring for her family. She deeply loved attending family gatherings, often hosting for the holidays in earlier years. She enjoyed cooking, camping, and listening to music and dancing.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents Loyd and Annabelle Estes; her siblings Lonnie and Francis Estes, and Marie Johnson (Estes); Husband Billy Tennyson; daughter Dana Tennyson; and great granddaughter Millie Fay Rigdon.
She is survived by her children, Billy Dale Tennyson and spouse Jane, and Tracy Simms and spouse Larry; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brandon Carter and child, Kayla Carter (and Brandon) and children, Ashlee Carter and children, Taylor Krohn (and Jeffery) and children, Michelle Rigdon (and Aaron) and children, and Aaron Simms (and Kristina) and child.
Known as "Grandma Kay", "G-Ma" and "gma K" to family and friends, she was a pillar of her big family. She was a mother and grandmother to anyone who needed her. She was most known for her unending love and support, infectious smile, incredible wit, and her soothing warmth and wisdom. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Friends will be received from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory. Funeral Ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory. A burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, MO.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Central Missouri Humane Society in Columbia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nilson-Millard Cremation and Burial Center, 5611 E. St Charles Road, Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 474-8443. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.