Annie Ivey Leonard

Surrounded by those she loved, Annie Ivey Leonard died October 18th, 2026, peacefully and with abundant gratitude for the tremendous blessings of her life. Defined by her faith, Annie was assured of a fresh, re-created eternal life through the promise and extravagant love of our Heavenly Father.

Born September 25th, 1959, in Oakville, Ontario, the youngest of five children, Annie loved her early years growing up near the lakeshore. When she was near 13, her American born parents decided it was time to re-plant the family in the quiet farmland outside of Pendleton, SC. New adventures began, like it or not. The family worked together in a myriad of ways to carve out a unique life, and, with time, Annie learned to appreciate and celebrate their move.

Graduating from T. L. Hanna, Annie attended Sweet Briar College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in Economics and English. Annie went on to earn a private pilot’s license and bicycled 4,600 miles across the U.S. from Williamsburg, VA to Astoria, OR. Upon epiphany during this trek, she decided to pursue a career in Cardiopulmonary Rehab, blending her love for exercise and an active lifestyle. Wake Forest University offered Annie a fellowship to its graduate program in Exercise Science/Cardiac Rehab and she welcomed the opportunity.

Three months shy of graduating from Wake Forest, an autoimmune disease quite unexpectedly, disabled Annie for seven years as she, her family, and an array of doctors across the country sought a treatment. For a time, Annie lost hope that she would regain her health or that her burgeoning dreams would ever be realized. It was a pivotal point in her faith journey, as she prayed desperately for God’s love and light to guide and strengthen her during many long, dark days and nights. Utterly vulnerable, Annie found her only self-definition as being a beloved child of God. It was enough - a poignant moment of acceptance and surrender that grounded and illuminated the rest of her days.

At last, an experimental treatment succeeded in her recovery, and Annie lost no time in becoming her very first rehab patient. From thence, she began her 25-year mission of service with Bon Secours St. Francis Health in its Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation department. Annie was able to share true empathy for what her patients faced. And with that empathy, Annie helped heal the lives of many under her compassionate care.

Annie met and married the love of her life, Darrel Carl Leonard, in 1998. They built a life together in Anderson and Greenville, even as Darrel’s late-diagnosed mental illness digressed. In 2001, he preceded her to heaven. In his memory, Annie moved forward as a strong advocate for NAMI SC.

Annie joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2012. She was thankful to become a part of the strong and faith-filled women of Circle #3, the West Connect Small Study group, the Thursday Bible Study and Women of Westminster, all of which enriched her life immeasurably, challenging her faith to expand and deepen within an exceptionally dedicated and diverse community.

Cancer admittedly took Annie from us. It, however, did not defeat her life and legacies. She loved a challenge and amid the headwinds she bravely faced; she dazzled doctors, inspired co-workers, firmed the faithful, gathered even more and deeper friendships and rallied those battling life’s hurricanes. And in her battles, she taught us how to live grace-filled…and to die gracefully.

Annie is survived by her brother Murph Ivey, (Nancy) and sisters Susan Jones, Carolyn Spencer, and Melanie Job (Wade); nine vibrant nephews and nieces; adored cousins; her exceedingly devoted companion dog, Ina; and spiritual meadows of joy wherever and with whomever she sowed.

Annie was predeceased by her beloved husband Darrel C. Leonard, her father and mother James M. Ivey, Jr. and Chispah F. Ivey, her brothers-in-law Charles S. Jones and John C. Spencer, and her niece Sarah I. Job.

A Celebration of Annie’s gifts to us and her life in the Lord will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 2pm. A Reception with family and friends will follow in the Atrium. A private interment ceremony will take place at the Westminster Presbyterian Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605, www.wpc-online.org.