Obituary of Leona Jane Gifford

Of Flint, age 78, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at home. The funeral service will take place 10:00 am, Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Pastor Darrell Patterson will officiate with burial to follow in Garfield Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, from 9:00 am until time of service at 10:00 am. Leona was born May 25, 1935, in Lake George, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William and Ruth (Shillinger) Brown. She and Robert Gifford were united in marriage March 24, 1962, in Flint, Michigan. She worked as a carrier for The Flint Journal for ten years. She also taught lessons on the organ, piano, and accordian at a studio in Davison. Leona enjoyed gardening, playing the piano and organ, knitting & crocheting. She taught Sunday School to children and adults and liked to read the Bible. Left to cherish her memory are her good friend, Sharon and husband, Bruce Parker, who has been like a daughter to her; sister, Sally Church; cousins, Ruby Morales, Sarah Shillinger and Kathy Foust; and several nieces; nephews; and adopted grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, siblings, Winifred Smith and Russel Brown.