This is a glimpse into the life of a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and most importantly a child of God. We shall not mourn her passing but rejoice for a life well lived. A life filled with love, joy, happiness and empathy for her fellow man.
Ollie Rene Matlock Leeper was born on October 22, 1936 in Piney Grove, Arkansas in Clark County to Emmet and Irene Snowden Matlock. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Piney Grove, Arkansas. She later united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Okolona, Arkansas and lastly Delight First Assembly of God where she was an active member.
Having raised five children, she mastered cooking. She loved working in her garden and canning the food she grew. Her favorite pastimes were fishing, reading and listening to the blues. One of her greatest joys was spending memorable moments with her relatives, both young and old. Her legacy of “family togetherness”, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends.
She married Joe Willie Leeper and retired from Prescott Manor Nursing Home in Prescott, Arkansas. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work for their good deeds follow them.” Revelation 14:13. Ollie passed into the Lord’s embrace on Sunday, July 8, 2018. She was preceded in transition by her parents, Emmet and Irene Matlock; her son, Raymond Edward Matlock; a close friends, Charlene Beavers and step-daughter, Christie Johnson Hopper.
Her memory will be cherished by her four children; Earnest Ray Johnson of Delight, AR, Sharon Walton of Okolona, AR, Glenda Johnson of Little Rock, AR and Bismillah Muhammad (Glen) of Tucker, AR; three step-children, Jennifer Johnson and Shaunte McClure both of Arkadelphia, AR; and Billy Johnson of North Carolina; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Arzola Cook of Blytheville, AR and Mae Sue Williams of Okolona, AR, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a special friend Geraldine “Pat” Thomas and other friends.
Submitted by the Leeper Family
Public visitation will be from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, July 20, 2018. A home going celebration will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Rufus Hatley, eulogist. Interment will be at Harrison Chapel Cemetery.