Tarboro

Barbara Leonard, age 75, finished her time here on earth and was called Home with her Savior Wednesday evening, February 23, 2022.

Barbara's journey began November 27, 1946 in Hartford, Connecticut as the second child and first daughter born to Anthony and Roland Everette Gallinoto. She grew up in a large, loving family and developed maternal instincts that helped her love and nurture as many children as she possibly could in one lifetime.  Affectionately known as "Grandma", she and Shelton graciously opened their home over a span of thirty years and lovingly cared for over one hundred children who found themselves in the foster care system. Family and faith were the building blocks of her very being. She cherished every member of her family, and her faith was evident and impactful to each one. Barbara's life was truly a blessing, and our world is a better place for having had her for seventy-five years. It just wasn't long enough.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Gallinoto; mother and stepfather, Roland and Frank Martin; and brother-in-law, Sam Owens. She is leaving a lifetime of treasured memories for her devoted husband of 55 years, Spencer "Shelton" Leonard, Sr.; ten loving children: James Patrick "Jimbo" Martin (Faith), Spencer S. "Little Man" Leonard (Dina), all of Tarboro, Jean Pittman (Lindy), Donna Mixon (James), all of Rocky Mount, Christina Hawkins (Curtis) of Castalia, Curtis Leonard of Bethel, and Donnie, William, Zachery, and Christopher Leonard, all of Tarboro; nine siblings, Joe Gallinoto (Marion) of Tarboro, Jerry Gallinoto (Melvina) of Williamston, Karen Owens of Crisp, Marie Gallinoto, Clayton Gallinoto (Shirley), Butch Gallinoto (Trudy), Tony Gallinoto (Donna), Frankie Gallinoto (Dinah), and Debbie Jones (Billy), all of Tarboro.

Barbara was especially proud of her twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and will also be deeply missed by numerous family friends and other extended relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2:00pm at His Vision Ministries, 1903 Anaconda Road, Tarboro, NC 27886. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.