Carolyn Broyles Leonard

Carolyn Broyles Leonard, 77, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side at Lewis Gale Medical Center on the afternoon of Sept. 16.

She was born on Dec. 23, 1943 to the late Vennis Clifton Broyles and Pauline Gaylor Broyles.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ronald Leonard; daughter, Julia Tohme' (Henri); son, Charles Leonard (Paula); four grandchildren, Mia and Pierson Tohme' and Taylor (Beth) and Mackenzie Leonard; one great-grandchild, Jack Leonard; aunt, Aileen Gaylor Ayers of LaFollette; and uncle, Paul Gaylor (Barbara) of Pioneer.

A Tennessee native, Carolyn graduated from Mount Hope High School, class of '61, in West Virginia before moving to Roanoke, Virginia, to attend National Business College. After college, she worked briefly as a secretary for Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, before starting a family and moving back to the Roanoke Valley to settle in Salem.

While she later worked for Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Roanoke, caring for her family with love and devotion was truly her life's work.

An avid reader, Carolyn was also a wonderful cook who always made holiday celebrations, as well as everyday meals, special. She also enjoyed history, often exploring graveyards, and delighted in recounting stories of her pioneer ancestry in Tennessee.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Sherwood Memorial Cemetery in Salem with Pastor Chris Kingery officiating. Please wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines if attending.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or New Covenant Christian Church, 4807 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017.

LaFollette Press
September 23, 2021