Decatur - Joanne Patterson Leonard, 87, of Decatur, passed away at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2011 in her residence.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main Street, Decatur, IL. Private family burial will be at a later date. Dawson & Wikoff North Funeral Home is assisting the family with services. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, or Governor Oglesby Mansion, or the Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Joanne was born February 4, 1924 in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Bernard C. and Lois C. (Godwin) Patterson. She moved to Decatur at a very early age. She attended Mary W. French School, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High and graduated from Decatur High School in 1941. She attended Millikin University in 1941-1942 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1945. She attended graduate school at the University of Illinois in 1945-1946.
She married Lt. Bruce Leonard July 7, 1945 in the First Baptist Church in Decatur.
Joanne was active in many organizations. She was initiated in Eta Chapter, Millikin University, and was president of Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Phi at the University of Illinois, President of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Guild, Decatur Public Hospital Board, Webster Hall Board, Family Service Board, President of Junior Welfare Association, President BC Chapter of PEO, Decatur Day Care Board, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, Anna B. Millikin Home Board, Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, former member of the Country Club of Decatur, Co-President Study Class, Deaconess and Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in which she sang in the choir for fifty years, Historical and Architectural Sites Commission Board, Heritage Network, co-recipient with her husband of the Historical and Architectural Sites Commission Arthur Ploeger Award for historic preservation, volunteer and life member of the Governor Oglesby Mansion and a member of the Millikin University Investors Society.
Surviving are her husband: Bruce of Decatur, daughters: Jane Bussing and her companion Robert Kobylarz of Springfield, Julia Dethrow and her husband Bill of Springfield, and Susan Six and her husband Danny of Decatur; grandchildren: Brian Bussing and his wife Dana, Katherine Bussing, Anna Bussing, Tristen Six and Jacob Six; great-granddaughter: Leah Bussing; sister: Marybelle Snyder of Orlando, FL special cousin: Betty Watkins of Decatur and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack Patterson.
| Bruce Leonard |
Husband |
January 17, 2012 |
Beloved wife
| Judy and Richard Sprinkel |
Gone but not fogotten |
August 19, 2011 |
With Love and Sympathy
Though pan and sorrow color the present, may you find hoipe and peace in the precious memories of yesterday. For your Mom remebering with you one life that touches so many others. May you find peace in your hearts.
| Linda Hull (Mrs. A. Lewis) |
Former member of Westminster |
August 18, 2011 |
I am so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing and send you my prayers that the Lord will comfort you at this time. I have not seen Joanne in years, but she was always so pleasant, always had a smile on her face and was kind to everyone. I am sure you miss her dearly, but I know she is smiling down on you from a wonderful home in heaven.
| Bill and Shirley Mills |
Friend |
August 16, 2011 |
Jane, so sorry you've lost your mother. From all that I see she must have been a really wonderful woman and mother.
| Joel & Lynne Winick |
Condolences |
August 15, 2011 |
We are so sorry for your loss. Joanne's life and spirit were a gift to us all from God. She will be missed but not forgotton at Westminster and in the Decatur community.
