Delores Diane Leonard

Atkins, Va.

Delores Diane Leonard, age 68, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025 at her home.

Delores Leonard, or Susie, lovingly known by her family and friends, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and love. Born into a family with three sisters and one brother, Susie learned early the value of togetherness - a value she would carry with her throughout her life. For several years, Susie operated The Barn restaurant, where she treated every customer like family. With her warm smile and natural hospitality, she had a way of making everyone feel right at home, and many found more than a meal at The Barn; they found a friend. The nickname “Susie” was given to her by her father when she was just a baby, a name that stuck and suited her perfectly. To her three daughters, she was simply “Mom” a source of strength, kindness, and unconditional love. To her seven grandchildren she was “Nana,” a title she wore proudly and with great joy. Her favorite place to be was wherever her family was gathered. Susie’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by her loved ones, whether sharing stories, cooking a holiday dinner, or simply enjoying each other’s company. A master in the kitchen, she had a gift for cooking that brought comfort and joy to everyone lucky enough to sit at her table. Susie loved the simple pleasures in life – tending to her houseplants, working a puzzle, making candy at Christmas, and spending quiet evenings at home watching her favorite TV shows. She has a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats, and at one time lovingly cared for more than twenty feral cats. Susie’s strong work ethic and sense of humor were just a couple of things she taught her children. Her life here was hard and often times unfair, yet she never let that change the love in her heart. She brought light to the darkest of days, and her laughter and love touched everyone who knew her. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. Susie will be deeply missed but forever remembered with smiles, stories, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Pettie Leonard; sister, Peggy Lynn Owens.

Delores is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Lynn Woods of Kingsport, TN, Kelly Dawn Woods and Michelle Leigh Weaver, both of Marion, Va.; sisters, Melinda Sheets and husband, Garnet of Crockett, Va. and Sandy Leonard of Rural Retreat, Va.; brother, James Thomas Leonard, Sr. and wife, Laura of Ceres, Va.; grandchildren, Hunter, Sarah, Hannah, Jenna, Parker, Karli, and AJ; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; her bestie, Sandie Croy.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion Va. Services will be private.

To share memories of Delores Diane Leonard, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Delores has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.