Constance Leonard

CONSTANCE LAVERNE SMOOT LEONARD was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina as the youngest daughter of Willis and Helen Hyman Cash on February 23, 1942. The family later moved to Baltimore, Maryland and resided in Banneker Homes in Fairfield until the land was sold to make room for the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Connie attended elementary school in Fairfield near her home. She attended Bates High School in Annapolis, Maryland after moving to Cedar Hill. After high school, she married Wilbert Smoot. To this union three children were born, Charles E. Smoot, Zina Y. Smoot and Byron L. Smoot. Constance was employed as a ward clerk at South Baltimore General Hospital and University Hospital. She retired from University Hospital in 1995 and moved to Tacoma, Washington to care for and later marry Jonothan Leonard. Connie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the First Apostolic Faith Church under the pastoral care of Elder Franklin Cornelius Showell in 1995. At that time, she served as a member of the New Life Fellowship. She has been coming back to visit faithfully every year during the month of her annual summer vacations. Upon reaching Tacoma, Constance visited and joined Tacoma United Pentecostal Church under the pastoral care of Pastor Frank R. LaCross and later under the pastoral care of Pastor Rocky Dunlap. Sis. Connie remained at TUPC faithfully until her passing. She will be remembered as a great photographer of the ladies events, a maker of hats, for sending cards to the sick, and lending a helping hand. When she first came, Connie decorated the bulletin board in the main lobby faithfully every month. Connie had a big heart and was full of life. She will also be remembered by her friends for her jovialness, her needle work, arts and crafts, sewing ability and her beautiful paintings. On Monday, November 5, 2012, God in His infinite wisdom, called Connie to receive her reward. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her children, Elder Charles E. Smoot, Zina Y. Smoot and Byron L. Smoot; three stepdaughters, Cynthia Ross (VA), Amy Nelson (VA) and Michelle Mitchell (Tacoma); grandchildren, Candace Henderson (Donte), Connita Smoot Nelson, Savannah Smoot and Kiyenna Massey; geat-grandchildren, Cameron and Sidney Henderson, Kia Smoot Nelson and Kiyenna Massey; nine step-grandchildren; three sisters, Doris Cash Hollinger, Irene Smoot and Willet Cash; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Constance Leonard

February 23, 1942 - November 5, 2012