Annie Marie Leazer Pruitt

1937 - 2025

A Glorious Reflection on the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Annie Marie Leazer Pruitt

On April 17, 2025, Mrs. Annie Marie Leazer Pruitt peacefully answered God's call from the comfort of her home in Salisbury, NC. With a heart rooted in faith and service, and a spirit adorned with resilience, wisdom, and grace, Mrs. Pruitt leaves behind a legacy that will shine for generations to come.

Born on February 1, 1937, to the late John Shephard Leazer and Rev. Annie Carr Leazer, she was a woman shaped by education, empowered by purpose, and grounded in her unwavering belief in God. A proud graduate of Price High School, Class of 1954, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Education in 1958. Mrs. Pruitt was honored with her class as a Golden Graduate of Livingstone College. A lifelong learner, she later achieved her Master of Science in Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1995.

Mrs. Pruitt's professional journey was extraordinary and far-reaching. She began as a secretary-bookkeeper at Price and Dunbar High Schools before joining Rowan Technical College. However, it was at Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary where she made an indelible mark for 37 faithful years (1962-1999). Her roles included:

-- Administrative Secretary

-- Director of Student Personnel Services, College Ministry, and FSFA

-- Assistant Financial Aid Director

-- Financial Aid Director (1973-1991)

She was a trailblazer, the first person to write the original financial aid proposal for Livingstone College--which opened doors for countless students to pursue higher education. At Hood Theological Seminary, she guided students through insured student loans, specified grants, church contributions, and institutional aid. After retiring from both institutions in 1999, she continued shaping young minds as a teacher at Knox Middle School and as a devoted substitute teacher well into her later years.

Her service to faith and church was as devoted as her commitment to education. For over 70 years, she was a proud and faithful member of Moore's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served in numerous capacities:

-- Deaconess Board

-- Secretary for the Ministry of Kindness

-- Senior Choir

-- Life Member Council

-- Lay Council

-- Parent Body Missionary Society

-- WHOMS Missionary Society

-- Steward Board

-- Youth Advisor

She was honored as the 2009 Jewels of Moore's Chapel Award recipient and named Lay Person of the Year for 2010-2011. She also shared her musical gifts in the Salisbury Community Jubilee Choir and the St. Luke Episcopal Ecumenical Choir, spreading joy and praise wherever she lifted her voice.

A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter, for over 69 years, Mrs. Pruitt championed scholarship and sisterhood. She sponsored debutantes and raised over $50,000 in scholarships for local high school seniors. Among her sorority honors:

-- Finer Womanhood Award (2008-2009)

-- Golden Year Award

-- Outstanding Service Award (1999)

Mrs. Pruitt's life was consistently recognized with accolades that reflected her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering service:

-- Late Dr. O.C. Dumas Family Award for professional service and spiritual life to Livingstone and the community (2010)

-- Staff Excellence Award from Dr. Bernard Franklin and Livingstone College (1991-1992)

-- Manchester Who's Who Award for Education, Honored Member with achievements and recognition from the Livingstone Board of Trustees (2005-2006)

-- Recognition of Service on Retirement from the Livingstone College Board of Trustees and Dr. Burnett Joiner (May 1999)

-- Grateful Appreciation Seniors Generosity Award from Hood Theological Seminary and Livingstone (June 1999)

-- Centennial Award of Appreciation for 17 years of service, presented by President Dr. F. George Shipman (1979)

-- Livingstone College President's Award (2008)

-- Salisbury Juneteenth Award (2008)

-- Greenville Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Award for 32 years of dedication to Livingstone (1995)

-- Dr. & Mrs. O.C. Dumas Distinguished Administrator Award (2010)

-- N.C. Association of Student Financial Aid Professionals Leadership Pin (1983)

-- Certificate of Steadfast and Loyalty from the Class of 1981 at Livingstone College

But beyond all titles and honors, Mrs. Pruitt found her greatest joy in family. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, and the heartbeat of her household. Married to her beloved husband, Mr. Sylvester Pruitt, for over 56 years, theirs was a love story anchored in faith, respect, and enduring partnership. She poured her energy into creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, tradition, and love. She celebrated every graduation, every milestone, and every Sunday dinner with joy. Her presence was a source of strength for her children and a wellspring of wisdom for the generations that followed. Her legacy of love will live on through the hearts of those she raised and those she mentored.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, husband Sylvester Pruitt; her dear son, Allen Vinson Pruitt; her cherished grandson, Sylvester Lenard Pruitt Wilks; and her siblings George Leazer Sr., John Leazer Sr., Roy R. Leazer Sr., and Samuel Leazer.

She leaves behind to cherish her legacy: her devoted children, Sylvester Lenard Pruitt (Teresa) of the home, Marsha D. Pruitt of the home, and Matthew F. Pruitt of East Spencer; 5 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary R. Houston of Salisbury; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters, former students, colleagues, and friends who were all made better because they knew her.

Mrs. Pruitt's favorite scripture was Psalm 91, her favorite song was “This Little Light of Mine,” and her guiding life affirmation was: “Everything I am, God did it.” She lived those words boldly--her light touched every space she entered.

A faithful servant, a dignified leader, and a loving matriarch--Mrs. Annie Marie Leazer Pruitt's life was a living sermon of grace, excellence, and purpose. May we honor her legacy by living with the same joy, conviction, and love she gave so freely.

Arrangements: Public Walk Thru Monday, April 28, 2025 from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM at the funeral home. Services will be Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Varick Auditorium at Livingstone College with Visitation at 11:00 AM and Funeral at 12:00 PM. Interment following services in Moore's Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery, Salisbury. Reverend Robert Kelly, Officiating and Reverend Dr. Carolyn Dewberry, Eulogist.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Pruitt family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.