Mary “Hazel” Leonard (1938 – 2025)

Mary “Hazel” Leonard, 86, of Conway, S. C., passed away peacefully in her home with family at her side on Wednesday, May 21.2025.

Mary “Hazel” Leonard

Hazel was born on October 27, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to Herman and Mary (Garner) Rawlings. She grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, before marrying the love of her life, William “Bill” Leonard. Together, they raised two children. Hazel was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love touched all who knew her and will never be forgotten.

In addition to her loving husband of 69 years, Hazel is survived by her daughter, Joyce Hammond (Steve), and her son, Wayne Leonard (Terry), along with three grandchildren, Jennifer Forrest (Jack), John Hammond (Britney), and Preston Leonard; Eight great-grandchildren: Ashlynne, Cole, Kylee, and Rhett Forrest; Paisley Leonard; Greyson, Madelyn, and Brooklyn Hammond; her brother, Thomas Rawlings (Brenda); Nephews: Christian and Justin Rawlings; Manley, Stephen, and Rick Harris; and extended family and friends, all of whom she adored.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was predeceased in death by her sister, Doris Harris, and her husband, Robert; grandson, Michael Leonard; and nephew, Alan Harris.

Hazel’s great joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow into adults and sharing in the ‘fun’ times of watching them raise their families, attend many of their sporting and school activities, or just have family dinner gatherings, where her potato salad and Almond French Bread Pudding were always a hit. She also loved to play Rummy and usually won!

Hazel retired from Grand Union as a cashier to join her husband in several business endeavors as owner/operator, including Clinton Amoco in Clinton, Maryland, the Sandman Motel in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Front Royal Exxon in Front Royal, VA., before returning to South Carolina to enjoy a “real” retirement of collecting shells on the beach, walking the boardwalk and river walk, and fishing on the piers with Bill.

The family will receive family and friends from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal, Virginia. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Upperville, Virginia.