Dena Evelyn Leasure

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Visitation Schedule
Downtown Church of CHrist
900 N. Main
Searcy, AR  72143
Monday, March 10, 2014
1:00-2:00pm
Service Schedule
Downtown Church of Christ
900 N. Main
Searcy, AR  72543
Monday, March 10, 2014
2:00pm
Cemetery
White County Memorial Gardens
3306 E. Park Ave.
Searcy, AR  72143
Dena Evelyn Leasure

of Searcy, AR

February 11, 1953 - March 7, 2014

Dena Evelyn Groover Leasure, 61, of Searcy went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 7, 2014. She was born Wednesday, February 11, 1953 in Searcy to Mildred Horne Groover and the late Hugh Groover.

Dena graduated from Harding Academy in 1971 and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Art at Harding College, where she graduated in 1975. She taught art for several years at West Memphis Christian School as well as Ouachita Christian School in Monroe, LA. She also took some graduate courses at Louisiana Tech in Ruston. After moving to Bloomington, IL, Dena worked for several years in the Auditing Department of State Farm Insurance. Dena was an accomplished artist, specializing in watercolors. Many of her friends and family are privileged to own pieces of her art. She also enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and banjo.

Dena was preceded in death by her father; her mother-in-law, Juanita Leasure; and her father-in-law, Lloyd Leasure.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of nearly 40 years, Harry Leasure of Searcy; a daughter, Jamie Leasure Powell (Shannon) of Portland, OR; a son, Darrin Leasure of Bloomington, IL; her mother, Mildred Groover; a sister, Penny Petway; two sisters-in-law, Gayle Cannon and Linda Earles all of Searcy; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, March 10, 2014, 1:00-2:00pm, at the Downtown Church of Christ. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm, with Marc Muncy, Gary Stephenson and Tom Martin officiating. Interment will follow in White County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home (501)268-3546.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas.

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49 Condolence(s)
Curt Grusy
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Friday, March 28, 2014

Harry, I'm so sorry to hear about Dena' s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Curt

Ben Phillips
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Friday, March 28, 2014

Harry, sorry to read in the Pantagraph of Dena's passing. We have 2 of her works hanging in our living room. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Eric Bolek
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Friday, March 28, 2014

Darrin,

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Know of my prayers for you, especially at this this time. If you need anything or want to talk please feel to get ahold of me. ejbolek@email.msmary.edu

In Christ,

Eric

Jim & Darlene Keegan
Bloomington, IL
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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Harry, we were so sorry to hear about Dena's passing. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God surround you and your family with His peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Brian & Joan Drop
Belvidere, IL
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Thursday, March 27, 2014

So sorry to hear of Dena's passing. May wonderful memories comfort you all in the days ahead.

Brian & Joan Drop
Belvidere IL

Kevin Fleming
Bloomington, IL
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Monday, March 17, 2014

Harry, so sorry to hear about Dena. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

keith Overstreet
Fort Worth, TX
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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Please accept our deepest heart felt sympathy, condolences andprayers to you, Harry, and your and Dena's family. Our hearts go out to you all during this time of healing, strength, and grace. Bless you all. Keith Overstreet

keith Overstreet
Fort Worth, TX
Liked
Saturday, March 15, 2014

Please accept our deepest heart felt sympathy, condolences andprayers to you, Harry, and your and Dena's family. Our hearts go out to you all during this time of healing, strength, and grace. Bless you all. Keith Overstreet

Sandy McGhee
Bloomington, IL
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Friday, March 14, 2014

Dear Harry, Jamie and Darrin,

There just are no words that comfort right now, but please know that many, many people are keeping you all close in their hearts as you move through the following days.

God Bless you and keep you…
Sandy

Ken & Fran Castleman
Bloomington, TN
Liked
Friday, March 14, 2014

Good Friend Harry, We are surely shocked and sad to learn of Dena's death. She was
a fine Christian lady and a good example of
living a Christian life. God Bless all of you.
Ken & Fran

Ken & Fran Castleman
Bloomington, TN
Liked
Friday, March 14, 2014

Good Friend Harry, We are surely shocked and sad to learn of Dena's death. She was
a fine Christian lady and a good example of
living a Christian life. God Bless all of you.
Ken & Fran

Tony and Kay felker
,
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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Harry and family we are so sorry to hear of Dena's passing. Bless her heart she is no longer suffering. We ask Gods blessings of comfort and peace for all of you.

Phill & Sharon Pharr
brentwood, TN
Liked
Thursday, March 13, 2014

To Dena's family, we send our love and prayers. She was a beautiful spirit that we will always cherish knowing , and have hope in seeing her again. Wishing her family joy and comfort in the wonderful memories of life shared.

jana walker
searcy, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 13, 2014

MILDRED YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL JANA WALKER

Margaret Cody
Gilbert, AZ
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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

She is a warrior and an artist. I'm so proud to own one of her paintings. The one that she did for my parents is still hanging in the house we grew up in, even though they are gone. All of her art made me smile. To all of the family, my prayers.

Ronnie Taylor
Sherwood, AR
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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Harry, sorry to hear about Dena. God bless you and your family.

Carol Pierce Kizer
Lexington,
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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

I met Dena and Harry in 1969 at Harding Academy, Searcy, AR. I moved my senior year of high school. Dena and Harry were two of my best friends and will be always. Rest in peace Dena. Love you always and thank you for the friendship.

Cathy Clary
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy to all of Dena's family & friends.
Cathy C

Ann Simonson
,
Liked
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Harry, Sending you my heartfelt thoughts, prayers and love to you, Jamie, Darrin, and all the family. Dena was a true warrior with a gentle, artistic spirit. She has made Heaven far richer with her presence, as much as she has enriched many lives here on earth too. I am sorry you are going through this and your for your loss. Ann

Ann Simonson
,
Liked
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Harry, Sending you my heartfelt thoughts, prayers and love to you, Jamie, Darrin, and all the family. Dena was a true warrior with a gentle, artistic spirit. She has made Heaven far richer with her presence, as much as she has enriched many lives here on earth too. I am sorry you are going through this and your for your loss. Ann

Avayd Lacy
,
Liked
Monday, March 10, 2014

I loved Dena first of all because she was Coach and Mildred's daughter and they have been in my life for 50 years because of Camp Wyldewood. But then we got to know each other through Facebook and I was privileged to pray for and walk beside her as she fought such a brave battle with faith and grace. We know where Dena is that that her faith has been made sight. I pray that God will be with all of you as you as you walk on in faith and learn to live without her on this side of Heaven. Love and Blessings always.

Charlie & Debbie Whelton
Bloomington, IL
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Monday, March 10, 2014

So sorry to hear about Dena's passing, but grateful that she is no longer in pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

melissa
,
Liked
Monday, March 10, 2014

I have always been so fond of Dena. We were pregnant at the same time in 1988 and shared some wonderful pregnancy memories. I always admired her as a wife and a mother, so devoted to her family. Such a sweet spirit and a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you, Harry, Jamie, and Darrin. Thinking of you all.

Bruce Unterman
Bloomington, IL
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Monday, March 10, 2014

A good battle was fought. Sorry to hear the news

Marsha Bollinger
Decatur, IL
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Monday, March 10, 2014

Harry and family,
I worked with Dena at State Farm, she greeted me my first day with a warm smile and her kind, caring way. She put me at ease right away as only Dena could. She was a lovely person and I am so glad our paths crossed on our earthly journey. Love , prayers and thoughts are sent to you, the children,her mother and sister.

Tim & Martina McShane
Bloomington, IL
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Monday, March 10, 2014

Martina and I are so sorry to hear about Dena. She is in our thoughts and prayers.

Ann and Chris Swisher
Bloomington, IL
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Monday, March 10, 2014

Harry, Jamie and Darrin,
We are so sorry to hear of Dena's passing and our prayers are with you during this difficult time and going forward. We feel privileged to have known her and to have witnessed the love she had for each of you. May her faith in the Lord sustain you and give you confidence you will meet again in a place without pain or sorrow.
Ann & Chris Swisher

Bob & Joyce Clay
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sorry to hear of your loss. May Dena's trust in the Lord comfort you as we look forward to seeing her again..

Cherri Coward Hogue
Searcy, AR
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Heaven gained a beautiful angel! Dena was my sister and my babysitter when I was in the sixth grade and my sister was in the second grade. We loved her so much and when I got in junior high she always took the time to talk to me and make me feel accepted and loved. I considered her a very good friend and looked up to her. My prayers are with Harry, her children and Mother.I pray for God to wrap you all in His loving arms.

Anita Tullier
Bloomington, IL
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Harry, Jamie, and Darrin, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Dena was such a sweet spirit and it was a blessing to know her. We send our love and prayers. We ask God to send you his strength and spirit during this difficult time.

Dennis Ambuehl
,
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Harry, I 'm very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Our sympathy to you and your family.

Allen and Carla Jeter
Crossett,
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Harry, we were so sorry to hear about Dena. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carole Rhine Campbell
,
Liked
Sunday, March 9, 2014

Prayers for her family, now and in the months ahead.

Terry and Charlotte Smith
Brentwood, TN
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

So sorry to hear of the loss of Dena. May God bless you with comfort. "He is near the broken hearted and comforts the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34.

Alice Lobell
,
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Prayers for the family.

Vicki
Joplin, MO
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

To Harry, Mildred, Penny and families,
I have enjoyed reading all the posts on Facebook of those whom knew Dena well and grew up with her. How fortunate I was to be at Harding and although we were not close and always doing our own things, when I saw her she was always so kind to me and would say hello. I don't know if we had any classes together but being around sports as I was I would see her playing tennis when she wasn't doing artwork. I remember seeing her art at the gallery and she was a very good artist. I was fortunate to also have Coach Groover for classes then worked for him at Wyldewood for two summers. I see through his family how he and Milderd raise both Dena ans Penny very well. To Love God first and be of service to others whether Dena was teaching, doing artwork or playing tennis. I'm so thankful to have known Dena. May you all have the comfort to know that I and all your friends and families love you and will be Praying for you. God Bless You All. In Christian Love, Vicki Emery, Harding Class of 1977.

Larry & Claudia Curtis
Sherwood, AR
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Harry: So sorry for your loss. You and Dena have always been great friends. She will be missed.

Becky & Bobby Floyd
Nashville,
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss.... Thankful for God's eternal promises ...

Betty Ulrey
Searcy, AR
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Our hearts go out to all her family, who will miss her so much. She was a wonderful Christian who gave so much of herself to serve the Lord. Our deepest sympathy and love to all. Betty (and Evan) Ulrey

Jim White
Omaha, NE
Liked
Sunday, March 9, 2014

I first met Dena when my family moved to Searcy before my sophomore year in high school. Dena was always kind and encouraging and treated me as if I had lived in Searcy all my life. I have been praying for Dena every day. Harry, my prayers are for God to wrap you up in his arms and hold you close. Although it's a bittersweet time, I celebrate with you the victory that Dena now enjoys. The longer I live, the more friends and family I have who have gone to their rewards. It will be a sweet reunion one day.

Bob LaPorte
Normal, IL
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

With thoughts and prayers for Harry, Jamie, and Darrin, as well as for their families and friends who now grieve the loss of their loved one and friend. May the compassion and strength of our Loving Father embrace and sustain you during this difficult trial. Much sympathy to you and yours. Blessings to all.

Bob and Carla Stiger
Newport, AR
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Praying for your comfort and peace during this time. Dena was so personable and all who got to know her were blessed

Steve Davis
,
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

One only need ask anyone who ever knew Dena what kind of person she was to know she was a kind, giving, and intelligent, gifted person. My heart goes out to the Leasure and Groover families.

Mark Bales
Afton, VA
Liked
Sunday, March 9, 2014

I can still remember Dena's smile and her outgoing personality and the days all the way back to high school and as others have said, this was a striking, wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew her. She has been in our prayers for a long time now and those prayers will shift now to the family at this time.

Cathey King
Russellville, AR
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

So sorry for your loss you are in our prayers. GOD will see you thru.

Rachel Cates
Clarksville, TN
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Dena has been such a sweet angel to me and Paul David since we were little. God Bless Harry, Jamie, and Darrin!

Linda Earles
Searcy, AR
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Dena, my precious sweet gifted sister-in-law, gone from my sight but not from my heart. You will be missed so much.

Charlotte Coleman
Lonoke, AR
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace and strength.

Sarah Hays
Batesville, AR
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Dena is one of those people of whom it can truly be said, "There's not a bad bone in her body." She was beautiful all day long and through the night. She shines in God's light now.