Mary Ann Leeds

Mary Ann Leeds, 93, of Robinson, IL, formerly of Grayville, IL, passed away on October 23, 2023, at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi, IL. Born on April 11, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, Mary Ann was a proud alumnus of Norris City High School in Norris City, IL, graduating with the Class of 1949. Following her graduation, she embarked on a career that was reflective of her deep desire to help others. Mary Ann served her community as the coordinator of the Edwards/White County CAP Agency, and later, as the social rehab director at Baldwin Nursing Home in Grayville, IL. Her dedication to her work was a testament to her compassionate spirit and relentless drive to make a difference.

Mary Ann's interests were as varied and unique as she was. She was a talented cook, known for her old-fashioned homemade meals that warmed both body and soul. Her skills extended to sewing, where she created everything from clothes to curtains, pillows, baby clothes, and doll clothes. Mary Ann also had a passion for antiquing and furniture refinishing. She began with a modern taste, but after purchasing an old house, she fell in love with antiques. She dedicated many hours to stripping and refinishing her finds, always aiming for perfection. This perfectionistic nature served her well when she began to breed miniature schnauzers. For over ten years, she raised these adorable dogs, sending them to loving homes all over the country. In addition to her four-legged friends, Mary Ann also had a heart for children, and she loved babysitting.

Over the years, Mary Ann faced many adversities, but time and again, she displayed remarkable resilience. Over the years, she evaded death multiple times, proving that she was a fighter. Despite her struggles in her later years, she never lost her quick sense of humor nor her ability to empathize with others. This, no doubt, was born out of her saving faith in Jesus. A member of the Grayville First Presbyterian Church, she found solace and strength in her faith throughout her 93 years. We take heart knowing that the faith she clung to time and time again has been made sight and that she has been made whole in the arms of her Savior.

She married William J. Leeds on February 28, 1948, and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Arthur & Kathryn (Smith) Bryant; by her sisters, Sylvia Placidi and Eleanor Minor; and her brother, Richard Bryant.

She is survived by her daughter, Tamara Jones (Robinson, IL); her son, Matthew Leeds (Robinson, IL); her grandchildren, Sydney & Derek Koehne (Taylorville, IL), Erin & Zach Thompson (Robinson, IL), Nick Leeds (Cincinnati, OH), Shawna Leeds (Cincinnati, OH) and Tabatha Leeds (Robinson, IL); her great-grandchildren, Mason Koehne, Luke Koehne, and Nolan Thompson; by her cherished friends, Sam & Barb Bullock; by two special nieces, Louise Abel and Kathryn Conner; as well as several other beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held at the Powell Cemetery, Norris City, IL, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson was in charge of these arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to "Operation Smile", an organization that creates solutions that deliver safe surgery to people with cleft lip and cleft palate. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.