Callie Ann (Cruthirds) Leonard

Callie Ann Leonard, 76, passed away December 9th, 2023 at her home in Hattiesburg, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 27, 1947 in Poplarville, the oldest of four girls to Johnnie Ray and Wilda Mae (Jeter) Cruthirds. Callie grew up in Poplarville where she enjoyed being a girly girl, but was also a country girl at the same time. As the oldest, she established herself as the dominant child and "ruled the roost" when it came to her sisters. They were always into something, and Callie was the ring leader, as they say. Her sisters recall having to evade her by running into the tung nut trees to hide as kids. Callie attended Poplarville schools, graduating with the Class of 1965. She had a few jobs, including waitressing at the Star Cafe and sewing at Movie Star for a while before deciding to settle down and start her family. Callie married Daniel "Mutt" Leonard in June of 1966 and the young couple made their home in Lumberton. There Callie raised her two children and always kept her home in order. She went back to work as a teachers assistant at Lumberton Elementary where she stayed for several years and loved every minute of it. Callie enjoyed her flowers, working puzzles and more, but she loved taking care of her grandchildren most of all. Callie kept them while their parents worked, raising them and teaching them along the way, loving and nurturing them as her very own. Affectionately known as Nannie by all her grands, they always wanted to be at her house. In those rare moments when nobody else was around, Callie enjoyed her cooking shows, reading her Bible and other books, and waiting for her grands to return. She loved her family and looked forward to the holidays and getting together. For all that she was, she will be forever loved and missed by all whose life she touched. Callie was preceded by her parents, Johnnie and Wilda Cruthirds; her sister Emma Shows, and her infant brother, John Cruthirds. Left to cherish her memories are: her daughter Alecia Leonard and her son John Leonard, both of Hattiesburg; her sisters, Betty Fairchild and Queen (Gene) Walters, both of Lumberton. Callie leaves a legacy of eleven grandchildren, including four grands: Kimberly (Clayton) Holmes, Justine (Josh) Allman, Peter White, V, and Brandon Ladner, along with seven great-grands: Emily, Ava, Brantley, Gauge, Gracie, Jordan, and Mikala, with numerous extended family members and friends as well. Funeral services are set for Thursday, Dec. 14th at Trinity Funeral Services in Lumberton. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a chapel service at 11:00. Afterward, Callie will be laid to rest in the Byrd Line Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Leonard family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.