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Ivylyn Mitchell Leonard, 100, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on June 29,2026 at Ranson Ridge Memory Care in Huntersville, NC. Born on September 07, 1925, in the community of Nashville, NC, Ivylyn was the daughter of Sele and Geneva Mitchell. Her life was a testament to faith, love and enduring strength, having been rooted in family values and community service. Ivylyn shared life with her late husband, Clarence, after their marriage on December 29, 1946. Her heart was truly full when surrounded by her family. She is survived by her son, Tony and his wife Paula, and her daughter, Debra Ryan and her husband Dennis. Her legacy continues through her grandsons, Will Leonard and his wife Katie, Matthew Ryan, Gregory Ryan, and Nicholas Ryan and her six great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride. Ivylyn was preceded in death by her parents, Sele and Geneva, her six brothers and sisters, and her beloved husband, Clarence. A dedicated and hardworking individual, Ivylyn retired from the Kinston, NC DuPont Plant after 29 years of service. Ivylyn found joy in the simple pleasures of working in her flower garden, where she nurtured beauty and life. Her green thumb reflected her nurturing spirit. She enjoyed going to Atlantic Beach, fishing with her friends and family and entertaining her grandkids. Her involvement with her church, the Red Hats organization, EverReadies, and her love of travel exemplified her adventurous spirit and her desire to embrace life fully. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Grifton, NC, for over 50 years, where she served on various committees, until her move to Mooresville, NC in 2012. She joined the Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville at that time. She was a member of Brenda Weisner's Women's Circle III, and her love of music and singing had her joining the Joyful Notes Senior Choir. She especially enjoyed singing with this group at church services and for the residents of the local Assisted Living facilities. Ivylyn's Celebration of Life will be held at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Receiving of Friends will begin at 2:00 pm. A private family burial will be in Williamson's Chapel cemetery following the service. In honoring Ivylyn's memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Williamson's Chapel Choir, as a tribute to her love for music and community. They also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ranson Ridge Memory Care, for their unwavering kindness and care during her final days. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Leonard family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Ivylyn Leonard

September 7, 1925 - June 29, 2026