Wilhelmina Leach

Our beloved Wilhelmina “Tillah” Leach was born January 13, 1923 in St. Ann, Runaway Bay, Jamaica to the late Alexander and Mary Jane Gaynor.  With “Wilhel”, affectionately called by family, being the only surviving child of her parents, she was very much loved and protected while growing up in her community.  At a young age she decided to take a leap of faith and independently migrated to the city of Port Antonio. There she worked various jobs including working alongside a seamstress.  Even though she had migrated to another city, her childhood friend,  “Charlie Brown”  always knew that “Tillah” would be his wife so he made the smart decision of keeping in touch.  His persistence paid off because on March 28, 1956, Wilhel married her sweetheart Harold James Leach tenderly called “Bombie.” This blessed union produced 8 children; Priscilla, Lloyd, Keith, Dennis, Bunny, Errol, Pauline, and Clement Leach.  Bunny, her son, unexpectedly passed as an infant.  The loving and caring mother she was also raised multiple grandchildren.   In 1985, at the age of 62 she took advantage of the opportunity of migrating to Atlanta, GA.   With her infectious smile and outgoing personality, she quickly made friends. She became a member of the New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church; where she served as an Usher, Deaconess, Hospitality team member, Prayer Warrior, as well as Mother/Grandmother of the church family.  This is where she soared! Her church family was an especially important and constant part of her life that she invested in for many years.  It brought her so much joy on Friday nights to call as many church members as possible to inquire about their week.  This is “Leachie”, a God-fearing woman, who genuinely loved and cared for others.   Mrs.  Leach lived a life of service.  She had a gift of providing encouragement and genuine support to anyone that was blessed to have known her.   It would not be unusual to hear her say, “God’s willing”, “Trust God”, “Give God the Glory”, “God is Good”.    “Sis. Leach” was a pillar of strength, hope, a guiding light to so many of us. 

We celebrate her life today knowing that she is resting in Jesus and the next voice she will hear is of her Savior Jesus Christ, “Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things: I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord”.

Mrs. Leach was preceded in death by her husband, Harold James Leach and son, Keith Leach.  She is survived by her four sons and two daughters.   In addition, her extended family consists of a multitude of grandchildren as well as great grandchildren.

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