Leona Willard

Leona Pierce Willard, 75, formerly of Burlington St. Gibsonville and of Twin Lakes peacefully went home to be with the Lord after a long courageous battle with cancer on Monday, November 6, 2006 at the Hospice Home. She was born in Randolph County, daughter of the late Benjamin Lee "Benny" and Annie Mae Nelson Pierce, and was married to the late Grady Lee Willard. Mrs. Willard retired from Cortina Fabrics in Swepsonville and was of the Christian faith. She was a very faithful and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy W. Knighten of Burlington; son and daughter-in-law, David Lee and Sherry Willard of Burlington; grandchildren, Jennifer Landon Matherly of Graham, Christopher Katrina Knighten of Elon, Gena Willard of Georgia, Jessica Travis Way of Gibsonville, Crystal Jake Alexander of Gibsonville and T. J. White of Burlington and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Reba Lucas and Alma Jean Bazon and brothers, Herman Pierce, John Henry Pierce, Benjamin Lee Pierce, Jr., and a infant brother, Efird Lee Pierce. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Howard Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in Gibsonville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home and other times at the son's home, David Willard, 2306 Burch Bridge Rd., Burlington. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Choksi and his staff, to Twin Lakes and the Hospice Home for the special loving care that was graciously given to Mrs. Willard. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 or to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 or to Twin Lakes Center, 100 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com.