Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 12, 2023

Mrs. Leonard, 95, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2023. Carolyn was born December 28, 1927 in Earl’s Grove, SC to the late Christine and Clinton Ables. She grew up as the eldest of eight children on a dairy farm where she learned to work hard and use every resource wisely. She often gazed at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains beyond the rolling hills of the farm.

Carolyn longed to attend college and found the opportunity at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC where she graduated with honors with a BS degree in Home Economics. After graduating, she began teaching school in Greenville, SC. There, she met her future husband, Don Leonard, while staying in a boarding house run by Don’s parents. After their marriage in 1949, they moved to Columbia, SC while Don finished pharmacy school. They then moved to Charlotte, NC where Carolyn worked for McCalls Patterns as an education rep and then for Talon Zippers of New York in product development. After raising her three children, she began a new position at Colony Furniture as a successful interior designer for many fine homes.

In 1972, Carolyn became a NC Home Extension agent with Mecklenburg County and the State of NC. There she launched many programs to teach homemaking skills throughout the community, including an early morning television show which she hosted for eight years.

After retirement, Carolyn enjoyed traveling throughout the world, learning new cultures and studying their history.

Carolyn was a charter member of Providence Baptist Church and served as Deacon as well as other positions over the past 65 years. Her faith was strong and the center of her life.

Carolyn was predeceased by brothers Joe Ables and Hugh Ables, sisters Margaret Tate and Janice Hinton, and granddaughter Abby Houston. She is survived by daughter, Margaret Leonard Fisher, sons Thomas D. Leonard, Jr. (Ana) and Michael H. Leonard (Ann), three granddaughters: Katy Houston, Beth Houston, and Kathy Frisch and her husband Chad, two great-grandsons: Jake Komrofske and Brock Hardin, one sister: Nell Bruce, two brothers: Bob Ables and Derrill Ables, and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be held August 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Providence Baptist Church, followed by a reception at the church. A private burial for family will be held at Sharon Memorial Park prior to the service.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Matthews Glen for her care while a resident there.

Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC  28204, (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.