Gail Friday Leonard

Ms. Gail Friday Leonard, 83, passed away on June 25, 2026 at Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia.

Gail was born in Gaston County on September 9, 1943, the only child of the late Clarence Little “Bunk” Friday and Bonnie Hoyle Friday. She graduated from Dallas High School and Appalachian State Teacher’s College, then spent 35 years in faithful service to the state of North Carolina as a school teacher and juvenile court counselor. Gail was a devoted member of Philadelphia Lutheran Church where she served the congregation as a member of the Church Council. Her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren, and pets.

In addition to her parents, Gail was preceded in death by her husband Leon Leighton Leonard, and companion Ronald Lee Underwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Chad Underwood and wife Elaina of Belmont, and Cris Leonard and wife, Elizabeth of Dallas, beloved grandchildren, Trevor Underwood and wife, Kathryn, Ella Underwood, Emma Underwood, Louise Leonard, and Shepherd Leonard, her uncle, John Hoyle and wife, Judy of Kernersville, NC, and numerous cousins whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents of Morningside Assisted Living, VIA Hospice, and special caregiver, Mysti Eskridge, for their unwavering support and care for Ms. Gail.

Funeral Services will be held on 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Philadelphia Lutheran Church with a graveside service to follow. The family will receive friends informally prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 until 1:45 PM at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, NC, 28034.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com