Leanna Rae Southwood

Leanna Rae Southwood, 73, took her savior's hand at home Wednesday April 8, 2020 following a four year battle with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Leanna was born April 22, 1946 to Lennie and Clara (Walters) Simons in Boyne City, Michigan from her birth home on Vogel Street she moved to the family’s farm on Pleasant Valley Rd.  She attended Boyne City Public Schools, graduating in 1964.  On June 20, 1964, Leanna married her high school sweetheart and “twin”, George Bert Southwood Jr. of Petoskey. Their home was made in the Bay Shore area where they raised their 2 daughters.  Leanna went on to attend North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, transferring to Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant where she actively pursued art and theatre, two areas that were dear to her heart.

Leanna’s faith and family were her two greatest loves and her art was an expression of this. Whether it was planting meticulous rows of flowers, painstakingly crafting a piece of formal wear, icing one of many wedding cakes or putting brush to canvas, Leanna’s artwork was a testimony to her walk with God and the love she held for her family. She was an active member of the Women of the Church of God for many years and took joy in putting together care packages for various mission projects such as Wounded Knee and Famine Relief and later became district President of the WCG. Along with her role as a Sunday school superintendent, Leanna was also Program Director, putting on countless Christmas and Easter programs.  Presently, she was active with the community Reformed Church of Charlevoix and loved her church family dearly.

Leanna was a source of love, laughter, and faith to everyone who met her and became a second mom to many.  Her strength and grace were quiet but ever present, offering Godly wisdom without earthly judgment.  Her presence and spirit will never be forgotten.

Leanna is survived by her husband (George) Bert, daughters, Tammy Nalevayko and Lorelei (Ira) Walker, six grandsons, three granddaughters, three great grandsons, one great granddaughter, along with many nieces and nephews that were dear to her heart.  She is survived also by sisters, Adella James and Norma Pontius; and brothers, Chester Simons, Sherlon Simons and Kenneth Simons.

Leanna was preceded in death by her parents, Lennie and Clara Simons; sisters Lowina Husley, Roberta Beekman, Bonnie Chew and Betsy Warren; brothers, Murton Simons, Blaine Simons, and Robert Simons; along with four unborn grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Community Reformed Church in Charlevoix at a future date.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com