Frances Carolyn Powers Leonard

Frances Carolyn Powers Leonard was born on September 1, 1947, and raised in the community of Scotts Hill, Tennessee. As a young girl growing up, she helped her parents in the cotton patch pulling her bag and picking cotton. Carolyn graduated from Scotts Hill High School in 1965. In 1968, she graduated from Bethel College (now Bethel University) in McKenzie, Tennessee. From Bethel College, Carolyn entered the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as a student in the School of Religious Education. It was there that she met Russell Otis Leonard who was a student in the School of Theology.

On April 6, 1969, Carolyn became engaged to Russell and on August 9th they were married at Judson Baptist Church in Scotts Hill, Tennessee. They then moved to Louisa County, Virginia, where Russell served as pastor of Fork Baptist Church. While in Louisa County, Carolyn taught school at Buckner Elementary School and then Montpelier Elementary School in Hanover County.

Carolyn and Russell then relocated to Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church in Smithfield where Russell served as pastor. Carolyn obtained employment with the Virginia Department of Health where she worked in both the City of Suffolk and the County of Isle of Wight. On November 9, 2010, the Western Tidewater Health District honored Carolyn with the “Gung Ho” Team Spirit Award for her commitment and dedication to the public health mission, her coworkers, and the populations served. Carolyn ultimately retired with 30 years of service to the Health Department.

In her retirement, Carolyn undertook training through the Virginia Department of Elections. On April 26, 2016, she received her certificate from the State Board of Elections and worked the polls in Surry County until she experienced a change in her physical health.

Carolyn’s marriage to Russell endured for over 56 years and she was an invaluable partner in Russell’s ministry. Carolyn was always mission minded, having initially served as a summer missionary in the state of California during her college days. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, worked with young people in the Awana Clubs, directed Vacation Bible School, served in the Women’s Missionary Union, held the position of church secretary, and gave of herself to participate faithfully in the activities and fellowship of the church. Carolyn had a deep commitment in her faith to the Lord Jesus Christ and became a born-again Christian at an early age in life. She lives today forever in the gift of God’s eternal salvation.

In 1976, Carolyn and Russell expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, Lois Elaine Leonard. She was a constant source of pride, support and encouragement throughout the years. Carolyn deeply treasured the moments with Lois and valued their bond. Carolyn gained a son-in-law, Robert Allen Barlow, in 1998, whom she valued for his humor, faithfulness, and work ethic.

Carolyn was most delighted to become a grandmother on May 23, 2013, with the birth of Grace Mikayla Barlow. Grace was a very desired, loved, and appreciated addition to Carolyn’s life. She would routinely share with others about Grace’s accomplishments, adventures, and daily experiences, all with the emphasis upon Granny’s love for Grace. The presence of Grace served a source of joy upon which to focus in the midst of her health struggles.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, James Alton Powers and Geraldine Millner Powers. In addition to her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, she is survived by her brother James Powers (Diane) of Lexington, Tennessee; her nieces Dawn Sanders (Nick), Dana Fox, and Deane Sanders (Rich), great nieces: Calleigh Earl King (Joey), Audrey Carlton (Christian), Eden Sanders, Jordyn Sanders, and great nephew Jeremiah Sanders.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 1:00pm at Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church, 19290 Battery Park Road, Smithfield. The service will be followed by refreshments and visitation with one another before interment at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Smithfield.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com