December 29, 2025, 81, Goldsboro – Alice Leonard, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Born in Nash County on September 5, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Lee Pope Aycock and Annie Grace Leonard Aycock.
Alice lived a life defined by creativity, generosity, and faith. She had a God-given gift for making beautiful things and used her talents to bless others. Alice sewed, cooked, decorated cakes, and arranged flowers, always finding joy in creating something special. She loved helping others and had a natural way of bringing comfort, beauty, and happiness into the lives of those around her. Whether through a handmade gift, a lovingly prepared meal, or a thoughtful gesture, Alice shared her love freely and joyfully. Her life reflected her deep Christian faith, and she lived each day as a quiet example of service, kindness, and grace.
A faithful and devoted member of Adamsville Baptist Church since 1982, Alice’s faith was the foundation of her life. She trusted God fully and served Him by loving people well—especially her family.
Alice shared a devoted marriage of 63 years with her beloved husband, Willie Vernon Leonard. As a proud military wife for 22 years, she followed him around the world, embracing the sacrifices and responsibilities of military life with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family. She was also employed with Ernest Glass Company for 30 years, where she demonstrated a strong work ethic and steadfast commitment.
In her later years, Alice turned her love of sewing into a business creating memory bears. Over many years, she likely made thousands of bears, each one crafted with care and meaning. These bears became treasured keepsakes for families, offering comfort, remembrance, and love—just as Alice herself did throughout her life.
Alice is survived by her loving husband, Willie Vernon Leonard; her daughters, Angela West and husband Brian West, and Kimberly Shobe and husband David Shobe; her grandchildren, Beckett West, 29; Alyssa West, 23; Sarah Tetstone, 23, and her husband Trentin Tetstone; Corbin Shobe, 19; and Ziva Shobe, 16; her great-grandchildren, Dallas Tetstone, 22 months, and Parker Tetstone, 4 months; her brother, Johnny Aycock; her sister, Myrtle Tharrington; and her cherished companion and loyal pet dog, Butch.
In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her sisters, Annie Taylor, Sue Griffin, and Emma Bissette; and her brothers, Wayne Aycock and Charles Aycock.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate and honor Alice’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel, with Pastor Rick Overman officiating. Interment will conclude at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville, North Carolina.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Adamsville Baptist Church, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534, in her honor.
The family is in the care of Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
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