Leonard Fitzgerald, Sr.’s journey began October 14, 1952 in Helena, Arkansas. He was born to John Fitzgerald and Augustus Fitzgerald.
Leonard began his Christian journey at Freedonia Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena, Arkansas under the leadership of Reverend J.N. Morris. His sister, Lorene, said the day he got baptized, he shouted all over the church. He ended his earthly Christian journey as a faithful member of New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena, Arkansas under the leadership of Dr. Rodney D. Corbin. Leonard was a dedicated member of New Haven and even when his health began to fail him, he continued to press his way to church and participate in every activity that the church held. He truly loved his church and especially his pastor and didn’t mind letting you know it. His presence at church will truly be missed.
Leonard received his education in the Helena-West Helena School District and was a 1970 graduate of Eliza Miller High School. While in high school, Leonard was a member of the football team. He had a love for sports and for children. He coached an AAU Basketball Team named the Arkansas Ballers. He worked with those youth and did everything he could to help them to excel at basketball and helped to mentor them. Leonard had a love for people and decided to get a degree in Mortuary Science. He helped many grieving families over a thirty year period while working at Jackson and Highley Funeral Home and Peaceful Rest Funeral Home. He was also employed at the Phillips County Developmental Center and the Helena-West Helena School District.
Leonard’s love for helping people led him to be a member of the NAACP, and he also assisted political candidates in their campaigns.
Leonard’s earthly journey ended on August 21, 2018 when God sent an angel to bring a weary soldier home to enjoy a peaceful eternal life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Augustus Fitzgerald, and two grandchildren, DeAndre Fitzgerald, Jr. and Kamon Fitzgerald.
Left to fondly reminisce precious memories are his loving wife, Vivian Fitzgerald; nine daughters: Kim Ross (Terrence); Candace Rattler (Tanderous); Shalonda Fitzgerald-Travis (Toney); Tynikka Fitzgerald; Deloris Fitzgerald; Zaquira Ellis (Leon); Shakesa Campbell; Lorene Fitzgerald; and Autumn Harp (Luke); nine sons: Leonard Fitzgerald, Jr.; John Fitzgerald; Dennis Henry; DeAndre Fitzgerald (Lanita); Ellis Fitzgerald; Reverend Randy Williams (Viola); Justin Fitzgerald; Jordan Watson; and Josiah Walker; two sisters: Mary Donaldson (Roy) and Lorene Funches; one brother: Reverend Dennis Fitzgerald (Essie); twenty-four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service were Saturday, September 01, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Haven Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Rodney D. Corbin officiating. Interment took place in Jackson Memorial Cemetery; Southland Road; Lexa, Arkansas. The Fitzgerald Family entrusted their loved one to the Professional, Personal, and Caring Staff of Holloway-Gage Funeral Home; 844B North Sebastian Street; West Helena, Arkansas. (870-228-5111).