Leachman, Relda May's Obituary
Relda May Leachman nee Fuller was born in Ginger Ridge, St. Catherine on May 26,1957 to parents Gilbert Fuller and Merlin Anderson-Fuller. She was the last child, 9th for her mom and 6" for her dad. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters: Lucille, Verna, Vastie, and Almena; and brothers: Baivy and George.
She attended Ginger Ridge All Age School and was successful in seven subjects in the Jamaica School Certificate examination before attending Dinthill Technical High School in Linstead, St. Catherine.
Upon graduation in 1975, she was drafted in The National Youth Program for two years. The first year she worked in adult literacy which was sponsored by Alcan Jamaica Limited and the second year she was a teacher's aide at McAuley All Age School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. It was at that time that she developed a love for teaching. In 1978, she went to Mico Teacher's College where she graduated with honors and taught Home Economics at St. Catherine High School in Spanish Town.
She migrated to The United States in 1989 and in 1990 met and married the love of her life, Leslie Leachman. They moved to Spring Hill, Florida in September 1992 to begin their new life.
She noted the many cultural differences with the schools here in the states, foremost was the dress code. She decided that teaching was not for her so she pursued a new career in healthcare. She became a Patient Care Assistant then went to Pasco Hernando Community College in 1993 and got her LPN License. She worked at a rehab facility until, with the persistence of her dear friend Linda, she gave in and applied for a job at The Pasco County Sheriff's office.
It was there that she found her calling where she worked as a Correctional Nurse in the Detention Center for 24 years. Her kindness and empathy were extended to everyone she met. Facial tissue and cups of water were always available to offer to her patients on their first encounter in booking. Her pleasant personality, infectious smile, and warm hugs were her trademarks. She gained the love and respect of her co-workers, and many lifelong friendships were developed and cherished.
She was a Baptist and enjoyed singing. Her strong faith in God was demonstrated during her diagnosis and long treatment. She never complained, never lost her smile, and was always sharing her testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness.
She was not a physical mother, but she was a mother to many, especially her nieces and nephews and their children. She used to say on her birthday and Mother's Day she got more gifts, flowers, and phone calls than many birth mothers.
She leaves behind to mourn her loss, her husband, Leslie Leachman of Spring Hill, Florida; sisters, Gladys O'conner of Jamaica and Jane Lewin of Jamaica; brother, Guy Fuller of Georgia; step-sons: Martin Leachman (Monique) of Weeki Wachee, Florida, Mark Leachman (Jane) of Georgia, and Luke Leachman (Debra) of Connecticut; step-daughter, Valrie Leachman-Brightwell (Teddy) of Connecticut; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; numerous special friends and neighbors; and her church family, her YMCA family, and her Retiree Family.
Our hearts are broken but she will live in our hearts forever. We are so blessed, and our hearts are so enriched for having her in our lives. Rest in peace until we meet again.
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