Bonnie Brannon Leopard's Obituary
Bonnie Brannon Leopard, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2015 in Leesburg, VA. She was born Bonnie Arlene Brannon in Joanna, SC on May 10, 1934 to the late Cleveland Alexander Brannon and Jimmie Nell Stroud Brannon. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Raymond E. Leopard. Bonnie and Ray married in 1953 and lived in Indiana until 1970 when they relocated to Raleigh, NC where they remained for the next 42 years.
Bonnie loved music and taught piano for 35 years. She often played for weddings and other events in the Raleigh area. For over 30 years she was a tireless volunteer, docent and historian at the historical landmarks Haywood Hall and Mordecai House. Additional volunteer work included guided tours at the North Carolina state capitol building, the state governor’s mansion and the Raleigh Trolley.
Bonnie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Wake County Historical Society, Mordecai Historical Park, NC Capital Historical Society and Leesburg Senior Center. Her favorite activities were shopping and participating in bible study. She was an avid reader and enjoyed needlework projects. Bonnie moved to Leesburg, VA after the death of her husband in 2012 to be closer to her only child, son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kathleen Leopard. Along with her son, Bonnie is survived by her brother, Duane Brannon and sister-in-law, Nancy, two nieces Kelly Brannon and Nikki Brannon Plymel and one great-niece, Renee Plymel, all of Macon, GA; very special first cousins Donna Brannon Hudson of Clayton, NC and Freya Brannon of Garner, NC.; and close friends Ruth Clark of Raleigh and Joan Staryak of Apex, NC.
In remembrance of Bonnie, the family suggests donations to:
Friends of Haywood Hall, 211 New Bern Place, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Bonnie Leopard Memorial Fund, Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 (all gifts are fully tax deductible)
North Carolina State Capitol Foundation, One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
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