Juanita Bratton Leake
September 19, 1931 ~ April 12, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Juanita Bratton Leake, 84, affectionately known by her friends and family as "Hip", died Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
A native of Asheville, NC, she was a daughter of the late Furman and Mary Stoner Bratton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Cordell Gibson, and brother, Charles Bratton.
Mrs. Leake was an invaluable employee for many years at Tops For Shoes in Asheville. She was a member of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, D.M.
Surviving are her son, Henry J. Leake; sisters, Geraldine B. Washington and Ollie B. Watts; brother, Clarence Bratton; a number of nieces and nephews and many friends and family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, D.M. Interment will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the family.
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Miss Ollie; I remember when we worked together at SSA and you were always talking about Hip. I know you really loved her. I know she will be missed. I miss you also. I will keep your family in my prayers and take care of yourself Love Vickie Austin Jennings
I worked with Juanita for a long time, she was ‘mama’ to me. She taught me to call the customers I didn’t know, baby. She was a great lady and a great giver of love. Miss you Mama.
Aunt Hip was truly a sweetheart with a kind and genuine soul. She will truly be missed by so many. I will continue to keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Signed Sonny’s babygirl as she always called me. Miss you Aunt Hip!
Prayers for peace and comfort to you family. Juanita was a great mentor to all who worked with her at TOPS. She was our back bone for many years. Memories of her carry on to this day. We will always cherish the time we had with her. Keep happy memories close to your heart.
Hip is my cousin and I am really devastated by the news of her death.Praying for all the family members. I hate I can’t be there to celebrate her life. She will be dearly missed..when I lived Ashevillee she helped me out. She always smiled and laughed and always wanted me to sit down and talk and look at those pictures in the house.Praying for you Henry.
Barbara Manning
Gaffney SC