S. T. Leeper

Life's Reflection of Elder S.T. Leeper submitted by Mrs. LaNoir Dawkins-Leeper. After eighty-four seasons Elder S. T. Leeper left for his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Golden Living Center in Arkadelphia. His earthly life began on April 20, 1923 in Hollywood, Arkansas when he was born to Will and Alberta Wells Ross. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, and was a retired U. S. Steel worker for Reynolds Metals Co. (Alcoa), a founding member and the oldest of Men United, Inc. of Arkadelphia, a founding member of Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church, had held memberships at Mt. Olive Baptist and Christ Temple Holiness Churches. In 1989, he returned to West End Presbyterian Church and became an Ordained Elder, served on Session, and was a Choir Member. S. T. united with Mattie Wright, now deceased, who brought into the marriage four children: Joyce McIntyre of Texarkana, Texas, Linda Vanderson of Decatur, Alabama, Major Walter Kennedy of Texarkana, Texas, and Tony Kennedy of San Antonio, Texas. To this union one son was born, Samuel Thomas Leeper of Las Vegas, Nevada whose daughter, Promise and her husband, Brian Jackson of North Little Rock, Arkansas brought forth his great-grandchild, Joshua Leonard Jackson. In 1989, S. T. united with LaNoir Dawkins who brought into the marriage two children: Theresa Franklin of Bryant Arkansas, and Rory Dawkins of Shreveport, Louisiana. Two grandchildren: Staff Sgt. Tesha Sanders of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Sharlton Merriman of Bryant, Arkansas, who spent several years living with them. A niece, Lana Bragg (Eric) Ansley of Jonesboro, Georgia, and nephews Rodney Bragg and Carlton Bragg of Arkadelphia, Arkansas also spent time living with them. Survivors include his wife of eighteen years, one son – Samuel Thomas Leeper, six step-children, one grandchild, ten step-grandchildren, and one great-grand child. You may visit Elder Leeper and view the Images of Life DVD at Williams Funeral Home Monday, January 14, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Service of Witness to the Resurrection Celebrating the life of Elder S. T. Leeper will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church, 18th & Logan Streets, Arkadelphia, with Pastors Kenneth and Claire Rhodes officiating. The Committal Service & Final Resting Place will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with full naval honors. Active bearers of the casket will be Earl Bailey, Ollie Buckley, Samuel Harris, Douglas Nelson, Alfred Smith and Jeffrey Utsey. Honorary bearers of the casket will be Men United, Inc. of Arkadelphia. Floral attendants will be City-Wide Ushers under the direction of Sister Fannie Scott. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West End Presbyterian Church -P. O. Box 498, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The American flag flies at Williams Funeral Home in honor and in memory of Mr. S. T. Leeper.