Judy Dianne Sheffield Leonard

Judy Dianne Sheffield Leonard, 72, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend of Dahlonega, Georgia passed away on January 9, 2021 after a brief illness.  Judy, known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, was a blessing to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  She had a life well lived and knew the meaning of Southern hospitality.  There will never be another that was so loved and loved so well. 

Judy was born in Eastman, Georgia on September 23, 1948.  Judy married her high school sweetheart, John Leonard, and they have been happily married for 55 years.  She attended Dodge County High School and worked at Warner Robins AFB before moving to Valdosta, Georgia and working at Moody AFB in human resources helping retirees until retirement.  As she always dreamed, she and John moved to the mountains upon retirement and have enjoyed living on the river.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Needham Sheffield and Maggie Sue Sheffield; and brother Steven Sheffield.  She was the oldest of their three children, and is survived by her sister, Jan Shepherd; brother-in-law, Keith Shepherd; and sister-in-law, Deborah Sheffield Jackson. Judy is also survived by her three children: Laura Leonard Long of Tampa, Florida; John L. Leonard Jr. (Lesley) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; and Lana Leonard Lane (Russell) of Lake Park, Georgia. 

Nana cherished her seven grandchildren: Logan Long, Landon Long, Morgan Keck, Caitlin Lane, Langley Keck, Savannah Lane, and Alexander Lane.

Funeral services will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, Georgia on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am followed by services at 1:00.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association