The Pinecone
|
December 2014
• 7 •
A life that emphasizes service to others and which is coupled
with leadership qualities is a basic picture of Rebecca (Becky)
Wheat Leatherwood. She attended Bethel College for 3 years
until she married the love of her life, Lynn Leatherwood. Lynn
developed the Biomedical Engineering Department for Methodist
Health Systems and was a Fellow in the Hospital Engineering
Group. Becky worked at the IRS as a seasonal Tax Examiner and
at Union Planters Bank’s Public Relations Department. They had
2
daughters and life was good. But major heart-rending changes
loomed. Becky was diagnosed with Multiple Scoliosis (MS) in
1991
and Lynn passed away in 1996. She was confident that
dedicating her life to a church-based ministry would be her path,
undeterred by physical limitations of MS.
“
The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself
in the service of others”.
―
Mahatma Gandhi
Becky’s faith is strong and includes a literal interpretation of
James 2:26 that “faith without works is dead”. Her voluntary work
is her stewardship of the Grace of God in her life. Her early efforts
included teaching Sunday school to first graders and holding
many offices in the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Other
well-earned recognition include a 1984 award as the Hospice
Volunteer of the year from Home Health & Hospice Services of
Memphis, Inc.; a 1985 Certificate Of Service as a Member of the
Methodist Hospital Auxiliary Board; and 2001 recognition of
her contributions to the Lambuth University’s Christian Mission
Education Event “Jesus and Courageous Women”. Becky says
she’s blessed to be part of three families (a) biological, (b) church,
and (c) Kirby Pines Retirement Community. She counts it a
privilege to assume the task to develop the roster of Ministers who
lead Vesper Services.
When asked to describe herself, Becky began to list the myriad
religious and social programs to which she has freely given; but
when I pressed her to go “behind” the evidence of her labors and
describe herself to me, she gave it some quiet thought. She said
that she was a kind person; that kindness was the basis of her
reaching out to help people; and that God’s expectation for her
was the catalyst to take the metaphorical “first step”. Handicapped
by MS assaults do not stop her. She lives her faith, and the Kirby
Pines Community is blessed.
-
Jacqueline Besteman, Kirby Pines Resident
C E L E B R A T E S J O Y I N S E R V I C E
Becky
Leatherwood
Becky, in her office at Crossroads United Methodist Church, where she volunteers
