Leona Lee Lenora

Leona (Lee) Joyce Lenora passed away peacefully on September 11, 2011. Lee was born on April 30, 1930 in Blocker, Oklahoma to Estol Luke and Audrey Alva (Thompson) Barnes. She graduated in 1946 from Hartshorne High School and then moved to McAlester, Oklahoma where she worked as a Bell Telephone operator and met the love of her life, Carlo Lenora, who survives her. They married on December 29,1947 and moved to Tulsa, where they shared 63 years of marriage together. As a new, young couple, they joined other couples and were founders of St. Mary’s Church where services were held in what was the Brook Theatre. She continued to be involved in her church through canasta and bridge groups, volunteer services, and as a long time secretary in the church office. Through all of these venues she made close friendships that would last throughout her lifetime, and with many of these friends she enjoyed numerous Caribbean cruises where she developed a love of steel drums. She spent her summers taking her children and their friends to Tenkiller Lake for long camp outs, teaching them all how to water ski, and enjoying the full moon and it’s reflection on the water. Later in life, she became the office manager at Olsen-Coffey Architects, where she gained another group of friends whom she continued to enjoy long after her retirement. She loved to watch both OU Sooner and OSU Cowboy football, and their men’s and women’s basketball teams. Lee had a vivacious spirit and a love of life. One of her greatest enjoyments was hosting family events around her pool where her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews all came to spend time together. Through example she taught us the importance of caring for one another, sharing our lives, and laughing often. Her presence was a blessing to all her children: Nanci and husband, Michael Clendenin, with children Dustin and wife, Kara Clendenin and their children, Delaney and Olivia, Christian Clendenin and wife, Nancy Curry; her son Michael and wife, Susan Lenora; and her daughter Lauri Lenora with son Ian Lenora. She is also survived by brother Harley and wife, Donna Barnes of Little Elm, Texas and twin brother Leon Barnes of Pleasant Shade, Tennessee. A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald’s Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st St. South, followed by a Rosary service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m., 1347 E. 49th Pl. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 16, at 12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Catholic Charities. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel

Leona Lee Lenora

April 30, 1930 - September 11, 2011