Elizabeth A. “Libby” Leeson, 97, of Franklin passed away Aug. 3, 2024, at the Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born on July 27, 1927, on Robinson Run in Shinnston, the daughter of the late James E. and Alma Merle (Fortney) Robinson.
Mrs. Leeson was a 1945 graduate of Lumberport High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Morris Harvey College in Charleston. She became a teacher and taught her first four years in the East Bank area (where Jerry West was a graduate) of West Virginia, during the Jerry West Era at West Virginia University and where she was affectionately known as “Missy Leesee.”
She and her husband moved to Franklin in 1964. For two years, she taught seventh grade at Upper Tract Elementary School. She then obtained her master’s degree at WVU and went to work at the Pendleton County Board of Education Central Office, where her duties included writing the Chapter1/Title 1 grants.
She was a member of Christ Central Church in Upper Tract.
She loved to knit, read, and take her yearly trips to the beach with her husband.
Her husband of 74 years, Robert Lee Leeson, preceded her in death on May 1, 2021.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory a brother, James D. Robinson of Beaver; and her nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by: a sister, Marcella J. Tasker; and a brother, Charles Robinson.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin with Pastor Mike Lambert officiating. Interment was at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to Pendleton Manor, PO Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
