Sadie Esther Leonard

Sadie Esther (Davis) Leonard of Benton Harbor, Michigan passed away quietly on June 14, 2020 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in Royalton Township, MI. She fought the ravages of cancer until she was finally called home by her Heavenly Father. Sadie was born on December 12, 1936 to Walter and Sara Davis in Louisville, KY where she grew up and attended Central High School. After graduation she attended Kentucky State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, with a minor in English. She later earned a Master’s Degree in education from Michigan State University. Sadie married her husband Arnold on June 4, 1960, moved to Covert, MI and later to Benton Harbor, MI where they raised their three children Leslie, James and Kevin with whom she had very close relationships. Sadie and Arnold were married for 60 years. Sadie began her career in education in the Covert Public School System as a Physical Education teacher and pioneered its Physical Education curriculum. She continued her career as an educator in the Benton Harbor Area Schools System as an English teacher at Benton Harbor Junior High School and Fairplain Junior High School before she retired. Sadie was a long-time member at Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a member and president of its Senior Choir. She was a charter member of the Senior Club, and a member of the Lay Organization. Sadie was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Iota Iota Omega Chapter where she achieved Silver Member status. Sadie was also a devoted and loving member of the Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group and was an active member of the Voices of Praise Survivor Choir. Sadie was fun-loving and good humored. She was direct, determined and loving. Sadie’s legacy will live on through her family and the many people whose lives she touched during her 83 years. Sadie was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Sara Davis, brother William Davis Sr., sister Viola Spencer, and nephew Donald Smith. Sadie is survived by her husband Arnold Leonard; her beloved children, Leslie (Sharon), James (Darlene), and Kevin (Celes); wonderful grandsons, Marsalis, Quincy and Carter; nephews William Davis Jr., Marc Smith and Timothy Smith; nieces Shelya Smith and Linda Jackson. The wake will take place at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles, Road, St. Joseph, MI on Thursday-June 25, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday-June 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. If you attend your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to wear a mask, sign the guest book and practice social distancing.