Joyce Ramona Heath Leonard

Joyce Ramona Heath Leonard, age 94, passed from this life into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Joyce was born on March 27, 1932 in Tifton, Georgia to the late Fred S. Heath and Gladys Moncrief Heath. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Eillis Leonard; daughter, Sherry Bishop, and brother, Billy Heath.

She is survived by her son in law, Bill Bishop and many close friends.

As a minister's wife, she spent many years as her husband's helpmate in the ministry of the Gospel. Joyce's Christian faith was strong and grounded in a personal relationship with her Lord. She was a member of the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.

Funeral services are scheduled to be conducted on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, North Carolina. Officiated by Pastor Noah Crowe and Pastor Chester Jones. Interment will follow in the Peachtree Community Cemetery. The family will be sharing in a time of visitation with friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, North Carolina from 10;00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service hour. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers Steve McCranie, Fred Carson, Phillip Reece, Keith Bruce, and Al Ringer. 

In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that donations in Joyce's memory be made to Samaritans Purse.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joyce Ramona Heath Leonard. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com