Obituaries
Ethelene Dellinger Leatherman
( May 16, 1939 - November 16, 2022 )
Ethelene Dellinger Leatherman, age 83 of Lincolnton, passed peacefully in the safety and comfort of her beloved home on Wednesday the 16th of November, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Lincoln County in 1939 she was one of eleven children born to the late Archie Lee Dellinger and Ruth Stafford Dellinger. She was preceded in death by her brothers Gene Dellinger, Fred Dellinger, Steve Dellinger, and sisters Donna Spargo, and Blanche Poole.
She is survived by her children: Gary Leonhardt and spouse Wanda of Falkland, Susan Beard and spouse Kevin of Lincolnton, Roger Leonhardt and spouse Karen of Lincolnton, and Kelly Reed of Lenoir. Her surviving ten grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Mamaw Ene” or “Maw Sheen” are: Trey Calaway, Marie Underwood, Michelle Wilson, Jonna Hughes, Zane Reed, Allison Leonhardt, Lon Reed, Cameron Buttram, Devon Reed, and Caleb Leonhardt. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Roselee Wilson, Nora Underwood, Della Mae Calaway, Ada Wilson, Archer Underwood, Kyren Hughes, Brixton Underwood, Kylah Hughes, Ridge Calaway, and Evy Wilson. Her surviving siblings are: Coleen Parmer of Lincolnton, Douglas Dellinger of Dallas, Sue Peeler of Lincolnton, Kay Allen of Harrisburg, and Roy Dellinger of Lincolnton. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and precious friends.
Her early years of employment were spent at Joe and Jim’s Grocery where she was lovingly known as “Flossie.” While working there she made countless lifelong friends. She would spend her personal time sewing clothing for others out of her home. The remaining years of her career were spent in the textile industry.
Ethelene spent many years serving and giving to others. For approximately forty years she held annual yard sales to benefit missions, her church, and people in need. In her younger years she helped pioneer the Junior Choir in her church Salem Baptist. She traveled and sang with her brothers and sisters, while her mother played piano, and was known for her strong alto voice. Much of her time was spent visiting, caring for and encouraging those she loved in nursing homes, in home visits, and hospitals. In her later years she participated in the Senior Saints of Salem. She made it a priority to distribute food to those in need. She was very well known for her homemade banana pudding and baked macaroni and cheese. Many people were gifted with one of her beautiful handmade yoyo quilts and other items. Much of her time she enjoyed searching for treasures at yard sales and discount stores, which were then given to others. Her most outstanding characteristic was her gift of giving which was second to none.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Daphine Harris, Nancy “Pete” Licciardo, Jamy Beaty, Becky Hodges, Mary Catherine “Cat” Craft, Joyce Royals, and Frances Lemons for their special friendships throughout the years.
The family requests that all memorials be made to the Salem Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund in memory of Ethelene.
The family will receive friends on Saturday the 26th of November from 5-8pm at Salem Baptist Church. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service that will be held on Sunday the 27th of November at 3pm at Salem Baptist Church. The service will conclude at the graveside.
Born in Lincoln County in 1939 she was one of eleven children born to the late Archie Lee Dellinger and Ruth Stafford Dellinger. She was preceded in death by her brothers Gene Dellinger, Fred Dellinger, Steve Dellinger, and sisters Donna Spargo, and Blanche Poole.
She is survived by her children: Gary Leonhardt and spouse Wanda of Falkland, Susan Beard and spouse Kevin of Lincolnton, Roger Leonhardt and spouse Karen of Lincolnton, and Kelly Reed of Lenoir. Her surviving ten grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Mamaw Ene” or “Maw Sheen” are: Trey Calaway, Marie Underwood, Michelle Wilson, Jonna Hughes, Zane Reed, Allison Leonhardt, Lon Reed, Cameron Buttram, Devon Reed, and Caleb Leonhardt. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Roselee Wilson, Nora Underwood, Della Mae Calaway, Ada Wilson, Archer Underwood, Kyren Hughes, Brixton Underwood, Kylah Hughes, Ridge Calaway, and Evy Wilson. Her surviving siblings are: Coleen Parmer of Lincolnton, Douglas Dellinger of Dallas, Sue Peeler of Lincolnton, Kay Allen of Harrisburg, and Roy Dellinger of Lincolnton. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and precious friends.
Her early years of employment were spent at Joe and Jim’s Grocery where she was lovingly known as “Flossie.” While working there she made countless lifelong friends. She would spend her personal time sewing clothing for others out of her home. The remaining years of her career were spent in the textile industry.
Ethelene spent many years serving and giving to others. For approximately forty years she held annual yard sales to benefit missions, her church, and people in need. In her younger years she helped pioneer the Junior Choir in her church Salem Baptist. She traveled and sang with her brothers and sisters, while her mother played piano, and was known for her strong alto voice. Much of her time was spent visiting, caring for and encouraging those she loved in nursing homes, in home visits, and hospitals. In her later years she participated in the Senior Saints of Salem. She made it a priority to distribute food to those in need. She was very well known for her homemade banana pudding and baked macaroni and cheese. Many people were gifted with one of her beautiful handmade yoyo quilts and other items. Much of her time she enjoyed searching for treasures at yard sales and discount stores, which were then given to others. Her most outstanding characteristic was her gift of giving which was second to none.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Daphine Harris, Nancy “Pete” Licciardo, Jamy Beaty, Becky Hodges, Mary Catherine “Cat” Craft, Joyce Royals, and Frances Lemons for their special friendships throughout the years.
The family requests that all memorials be made to the Salem Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund in memory of Ethelene.
The family will receive friends on Saturday the 26th of November from 5-8pm at Salem Baptist Church. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service that will be held on Sunday the 27th of November at 3pm at Salem Baptist Church. The service will conclude at the graveside.
Posted on 19 Nov 2022
Current Information
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125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521