Pearl Gormus Leonard

Pearl Gormus Leonard, age 75, of Dillwyn, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home, on August 22, 2025. Pearl was born on March 14, 1950, to Elijah and Elizabeth Gormus. Pearl was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, whose kindness, warmth, sass and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, David Randolph Leonard; her mother and father, Ruby Elizabeth Gormus and Elijah Walker Gormus; and two brothers, John Elijah Gormus and Wesley Gormus Sr. Pearl is survived by her daughter, Tamara Green and husband Jon, whom Pearl loved as the son she never had; five grandchildren, Chelsea Moore and husband James, Alexis Helton and husband Jordan, Wesley Green and wife Alyssa, Andrew Green and wife Jodie, and Kenneth Green and girlfriend Sarah. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Allen, Khloe, Paisleigh, Easton, and Baylor, whom she absolutely adored. In addition, Pearl leaves behind her fiancé and companion of 15 years, Clinton Perry; her baby brother, Ben Gormus and wife Alice; three sisters-in-law, Cecelia Gormus, Faye Spurlock, and Ernestine Gormus; two special cousins, Patsy, whom she called her "baby sister," and Travis Ayers Jr., whom she called her "little brother"; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will all miss her deeply. Pearl’s work ethic began early, growing up on the family farm and continuing throughout her life. As a child, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons she carried with her into adulthood. She worked at several places throughout her life, including Craddock Terry Shoe Factory, the Garment Factory and Courtland Manufacturing. Pearl also dedicated years of service working with the public, both at the correctional center in food service and at Saxon’s (Jenkins), where her commitment to others was evident every day. In the final weeks of her life, Pearl was surrounded by her loved ones, with friends and family dropping by almost daily to visit, reminisce, and shower her with love. This outpouring of affection speaks volumes about how much she was loved and cared for—not only by her family, but also by her friends and the community. Pearl often said how blessed she felt that so many people came to visit her, and she was deeply thankful for the relationships she had built over the years. Pearl also spoke often about the blessing of her family. Though God gave her only one daughter, she felt abundantly blessed to have a large family to love and cherish, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her heart was full of love for each of them, and her joy in their lives was a reflection of the joy they brought her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her memory will forever be cherished. Pearl’s life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and grace. She was a constant source of strength and support, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her and loved her. Services to honor Pearl’s life will be held at Dunkum Funeral Home in Dillwyn, with visitation from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 3:00 PM. Interment will take place at Mulberry Grove Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or Centra Hospice- Farmville.