Rebecca Branscomb Leonard

1939 - 2025

Rebecca Branscomb Leonard

July 17, 1939 - November 19, 2025

Rebecca B. Leonard of Virginia Beach, and formerly of Roanoke, Va., died on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Becky was born on July 17, 1939, in Winston-Salem, N.C., Becky's life was defined by her unwavering faith, love to family, and ability to make any house a loving home.

Becky grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1957. She attended Madison College in Harrisonburg, Va. for two years.

On August 16, 1958, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Leonard Jr., beginning 67 wonderful years of marriage. As the wife of a United Methodist Pastor, Becky was a gracious homemaker who transformed many parsonages into warm and loving homes. She was deeply involved in her church, serving on various committees, taking on leadership roles, teaching Sunday school, and leading the youth group.

In addition to her family and church roles, Becky worked as an assistant librarian at several institutions, including Duke University in Durham, N.C., Appomattox County High School in Appomattox, Va., and IC Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Va.

Becky was a woman of many passions. She loved to read, and her talents for creating were evident in her beautiful sewing and needlework. She took immense pride in the accomplishments of her sons and their wives, and adored her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Eddie. She leaves behind her loving sons, Michael Keith Leonard and his wife, Jane, and Neal Edward Leonard and his wife, Shannon; five grandchildren, Elle and her husband, David Parisher, Tyler and his wife, Mikaylynn Leonard, Maggie and her husband, Seth Calhoun, Holly Leonard, and Jordan Leonard; and three great-grandchildren, Haley, Rylee, and Kennedy Parisher. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews.

Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Propst Branscomb of Welch, W.Va.; her father, Arthur Rabon Branscomb of Hillsville, Va.; and her sister, Barbara B. Taylor of Richmond, Va.

Her kindness, dedication, and loving spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 318 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016, with Gary Robbins officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Running Strong for American Indian Youth, Saint Jude Children's Hospital or to The Southeastern Food Bank of Virginia (https://foodbankonline.org). Condolences may be shared at:

www.Oakeys.com

Oakey's Funeral Service - Roanoke Chapel Downtown Roanoke, VA (540) 982-2100