Mrs. Mary Frances Leake was born January 5, 1932 in Village, Arkansas to James (Jim) and Gertrude Johnson. She moved to Colorado Springs at the age of eleven with her family.
Her family united with St. John’s Baptist Church on her arrival in Colorado Springs, she became a member of St. John’s Baptist Church. Her parents and family became charter members of Friendship Baptist Church in 1945, where she was baptized at the age of 12. She began playing for the Sunday School and the Choir. She was the last surviving charter member of Friendship Baptist Church. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Senior Mission, and Choir, and was considered the mother of Friendship Baptist Church, as many considered her Family.
She attended Colorado Springs Public Schools. She retired as a Store Manager from AFAES.
She was known to always be well dressed; her outfit always complete with a hat. She loved Gospel Music and playing the piano. Her favorite hobby was baking tea cakes and cooking for family and friends. She was a member of the Gospel Workshop America Choir, and a member of the Prime Timer Red Hat Society.
Sunset came on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at her home with her loving daughter, grandson, and son-in-law at her side. She is survived by her Daughter, Wesla Armstead; step-daughter, Gwen Leake; son-in-law, Rickey Armstead; and adopted daughter, Genoa Adams (Charles). She is also survived by her two sisters, Dorothy Patterson, and Ivory Mitchell. She had an incredible bond with her grandchildren who loved her dearly: Dewan Leake, Brandon Grant, Ricky L. Armstead and Nikki Adams. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Seychelle Leake, Rukiya Leake, Casselle Leake, Caleb Leake, Moriah Leake, Elyjah Leake, Azaria Leake, Zachcaeus Grant, Marlena Grant, Makada Leake and Tatayana Adams; three great-great grandchildren: Maliah Adams, Baby Rickey Armstead, and Easton Leake. She is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews; and many great-great nephews and nieces. The Raymond Jones family and Mary Washington family were very close friends, whom she considered family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Buna P. Favors, Ernestine Walker, and Genevieve Armstead; and three brothers: Clifton Johnson, Chester M. Johnson Sr., and Nathan Johnson, Sr.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Friendship Baptist Church, 633 East Dale Street. Entombment will follow the service at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Garden of Faith, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard.
Anonymous
11 Mar 2019Hi there I want to thank MS.leake for taking wings during the holidays for the wonderful holiday meals she prepared we enjoyed them very much I appreciate very much I will miss you love the Jackson family (Charlotte)
CATHY DEWITT HAYNES
11 Mar 2019PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LADY! AMEN
Martha McCants
12 Mar 2019Mrs. Leake I will always remember you calling me your little sister. I will miss you always. Love you still.
Martha McCants
12 Mar 2019Mrs. Leake I will always remember you calling me your little sister. I will miss you always. Love you still.
Suzanne Gasta
12 Mar 2019I’m so sorry for your loss. Mary was an amazing woman and I’m so happy that I had the privilege of knowing her. RIP Ms Mary.
Millicent Cox-Edwards (friend of Gwen)
12 Mar 2019May God bless you and keep you during your time of lass and always.
Jimmy and Arcola Morgan
12 Mar 2019Our condolences to the family of the late Ms. Mary Leake. She was our friend, our sister in Christ, our encourager, and a mother-like figure in our lives. To God be the Glory for all theses that we have enjoyed special moments with Ms. Leake. We are holding you in our thoughts and praying as you move through this difficult time.
Kenya L Battle
12 Mar 2019Ms. Wesley I so glad I had the chances to meet your wonderful loving Mother. She was a great person who heart was so big?
Cynthia Lewis
12 Mar 2019My Deepest Condolences To Her Family And Loved Ones , Sleep On Dear , Your Have Finished The Race ,You Will Be Dearly Missed.
Eddie
13 Mar 2019My sincere condolences to the family during these difficult time. -Revelations 21:3,4
Eve
14 Mar 2019May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding heal your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. -Eve
Richardene Huery
14 Mar 2019My sincere condolences to the family of Mother Leake, you Will truly be missed… I wish I had gotten to know you better and I pray that your family be comforted in this time of need through and from the memories that are shared from generation to generation in Jesus Holy mighty name AMEN ??
HAZEL AND JAMES JOHNSON
15 Mar 2019JAMES AND HAZEL JOHNSON IS SENDING OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE LEAK AND MITCHELL FAMILY, MARY WAS ONE OF THE A KIND BEAUTIFUL, LOVING AND ALL YOU COULD ASK FOR IN ANY PERSON SHE WILL BE MISSED. WE PRAY GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP THE FAMILY STRONG.