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Obituary
Leona Mae May-Bernard, a cherished matriarch and beloved soul, passed away on October 1, 2025, in Enon, Ohio at the age of 94. Born on January 9, 1931, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, she lived a full and vibrant life marked by love, devotion, and resilience.
Leona dedicated many years of her life as a Machine Operator at General Motors, where her hard work and determination were admired by all who knew her. Outside of her professional life, Leona found joy in attending church, shopping, bowling, and dining out with loved ones. Her daily walks brought her peace, and she had an unparalleled love for chocolate cake.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmit and MaryLou Sullivan, and her husbands, Willard May and Darrell Bernard. Leona also preceded in death by her great grandchildren Jack Shores and Zachary Hodge.
Leona is survived by her four devoted daughters: Rochell (the late Bill) Bridge, Cathy (Don) Young, Jonie (Larry) Hodge, and Rene (Rick) Satterfield. Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren: Billy (Carol) Bridge, Sandi (Joe) Vitale, Donnie Young Jr., Tom Young, April Young, Jennifer (Steve) Kashou, Larry (Becky) Hodge Jr., Scott (Missy) Satterfield, Christina (Israel) Ortiz, Joseph (Jenna) Satterfield, and Josh (Brittany) Satterfield. She was also blessed with 23 great-grandchildren: Tyler Bridge, Caitlin (Taylor) Papineau, Hannah Shores, Caroline Shores, Isaiah Kashou, Noah Kashou, Jeremiah Hodge, Christian Hodge, Jaybin Satterfield, Jillian Satterfield, SueAnna Satterfield, Shyla Satterfield, Hadley Satterfield, Hudson Satterfield, Angelina Ortiz, Josephine Ortiz, Aarylin Ortiz, Ellie Ortiz, Jackson Satterfield, Zoey Satterfield, Carter Satterfield, and Joanna Satterfield, The family tree extends to 3 great-great-grandchildren: Nora Arian Papineau, Kaitlyn Grace Satterfield, and Levi Illich.
Her memory is also cherished by her six sisters: Lucille Crabtree, Ruth Durham, Jewel Graves, Stacey Clark, Bobby Jean Clark, and Ruby Woodard, and her brother, Charles Sullivan.
The family will receive friends and family during the visitation on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A service in her honor will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
In her own words, Leona often said, "She was 94 and nothing hurts anymore." These words encapsulate her spirit—enduring, resilient, and full of grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to know her.
