NASHVILLE - Connie Gray Leonard Averette, age 71, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020. Born in Nash County on June 2, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Russell Leonard and Catherine Bailey Leonard. She was also preceded in death by her sons, James Rodney Averette, and Dennis Wayne Averette; sister, Faye Carney; brother, Dalton Leonard; and sister-in-law, Joan Leonard.

She is survived by three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Ray Leonard, and Catherine Diane Bailey; brothers, Tim Leonard and wife, Phyllis, and Jerry Leonard.

A service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services with her grandson, Chad Averette, officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service until 8:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.