Jennie Mae Engles Leonard, of Batesville, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 23, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on June 8, 1930, to Frank and Myrtle Jernigan Engles in Batesville.
Jennie was happily married for over fifty-one years to Jim Leonard and was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Jim and Jennie celebrated their “Golden Anniversary” on September 1, 2022. Both were members of First Baptist Church, Batesville and enjoyed their Sunday School Class and church fellowships.
One of Jennie’s favorite things to do growing up on Gap Road was to ride her horse, Top. She loved to sew, draw pictures, and oil paint landscapes. She was a real estate broker for many years, working alongside her best friend, Ellen Wyatt.
Jennie enjoyed cooking for her family and loved decorating their home for every season, especially Christmas. Jennie also collected miniatures and had her own dollhouse.
Jim and Jennie loved to travel around the country, either by motorcycle or their 5th-wheel trailer. Their, grandson, David Rowe, traveled with them, adding to the adventure while traveling to almost every state.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Leonard, two daughters, Regina Rowe Bryant (Tommy), Katrina Rowe Fudge (Nick), one grandson, David Anderson Rowe (Shelley), plus two great-grandchildren, Gideon Anderson Rowe, and Jennie Kay Rowe, all of Batesville.
Step grandchildren are Matthew Bryant (Chasity), great grands, Melody and Jason, all of Colorado; Micah Bryant (Mary), great grands, Isaiah and Judah, all of Batesville; and Mason Dickson, of Bentonville.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John Henry Engles, and two sisters, Ruby Engles Riesland, and Anna Lou Engles, all of Batesville.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be Monday, October 2, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, West Annex, 610 E. Main, Batesville.
A private graveside service will be at Oaklawn Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Independence County Humane Society, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
