Leona Spates

In Loving Memory of Leona (Lee) Spates

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend, Leona also known as Lee, Belle Starr, and Spates, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 9, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late James Clark Sr. and Sona Carruth.

Leona was educated in the Saginaw Public School system and later earned her cosmetology license from MJ Murphy Beauty College. A passionate entrepreneur, she went on to establish her own salon, Leona’s Place, where she served her community with warmth and grace.

Leona’s legacy lives on through her devoted life partner, DeEddie Sanders; her loving daughter, Delena Spates-Allen (Ed); and her three grandchildren, ShaRease Price known as Sugar (Tariq), BreAna Allen, known as Brown Sugar, and Jordan Napolitano known as Jo (Laniyah). She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren; DeLeana (Brandon), Masen, Nylah, Kasen, Londyn, and Jordan Jr., and two great-great-grandchildren, Braxton and Braelon.

She will be fondly remembered by her seven sisters: Jamesetta Christian (Emmitt) of Decatur, GA; Marcetta Dillard (Frank) of Auburn Hills, MI; Brenda Clark, Odeania, Sona, and Charlotte Carruth, all of Saginaw, MI; as well as her brother Stevie Carruth (Ann) of Danville, IL.

Leona's love extended to a host of nieces; Tricia, Cheryl, Ericka, Kayla, Sherry, and Joy; nephews Damon, Calvin, Steven, Marcel, Jamel, Kirk, George, and Tra; great nieces, Danielle, Diamond, Tanzania, Tunisia, Taylor, ShaMari, Serenity, Brooklyn, Ziya, Ka’Mya, and Ziyah; great nephews Calvin, Marquavis, DeAnte’, Darrick, Khalil, Nasir, Landin, Ryder, Jayden, King, Kameron, Sean, and Greg. She is also survived by her dear aunts, Revenia Brewer of Gary, IN, and Connie Hart of Pontiac, MI; uncle, Frederick Washington of Saginaw, MI; and sister-in-law, Alberta Phelps, Olive Branch, MS, along with other relatives, including the Sanders family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Lewis Spates; daughter, Evelyn Faye Spates; her son, Gregory Clark; her mother and stepfather, Sona and Odie Carruth; her father, James Clark Sr.; her siblings Norma Thomas, Patricia Harris, and James Clark Jr.; her nephew Darrick Carruth; and numerous other loved ones who welcomed her home.

Leona had many joys in life, one of which was shopping, especially finding treasures at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. She loved the thrill of a good bargain and always had an eye for style.

Leona was blessed with many dear friends who became family, including the Gamez, McCloud, McKinney, Reed, Durrett, and Roby families. She shared special bonds with Alberta Pruitt, Barbara McCloud, Bea Manning, Charlene Washington, Connie Ward, Develma Howard, Don McClure, Don Durrett, Ethel Shaw, Gloria Napier, Ivan Phillips, Joyce Palmer, Michelle Barkley, Patricia Caldwell, and Rachel Roby.

Leona's radiant spirit, unwavering love, and nurturing heart will be deeply missed and forever treasured.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Covenant at Home, Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, and everyone who offered support during this time.