Leola B. Balknight

Leola B. Balknight was born June 23, 1936 in Brunswick, Georgia.  She was one of two children born to the late John and Mary Barnes. 

As a youth, Leola moved with her family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she attended and graduated from Simon Gratz High School.  

Leola accepted employment with the Budd Company, a well-known supplier of automobile parts in the Philadelphia area.  She worked on the manufacturing assembly line for many years until her retirement in the mid-1990’s. 

As a young adult, Leola met William Balknight and the couple fell in love and married.  This union produced four children: William, Charles, Kim and Karen.  Sadly, Charles and Karen preceded them in death.  Though William and Leola made the decision to end their marriage several years later, they maintained a friendship that spanned a lifetime. 

Leola later married Daniel T. McGlynn, whom she had met while working at the Budd Company.  Leola and Daniel enjoyed several happy years together until he preceded her in death in April of 2003. 

In her spare time, Leola enjoyed shopping, cooking and hosting gatherings in her home, and especially spending time with her beloved family.  She was meticulous about her appearance, and was known for her quick-witted sense of humor.  She shared a special bond with her grandchildren, and was especially devastated when she lost her grandson Rasheed unexpectedly in December, 2011.  Though his passing left a void in her heart, she was touched by the number of Rasheed’s friends who spent time with her and checked on her up until her own passing.     

Leola was baptized as a child and reared in the Christian faith.  In recent years, she rededicated herself to Christ by returning to her family’s place of worship, Berean Baptist Church in Philadelphia.  She loved the Lord, and enjoyed hearing His word. 

Without warning on Wednesday, October, 7, 2020, God in His infinite wisdom called Leola home, where she joins those who have gone before her, including her husband Daniel, children Charles and Karen, brother Ernest, and beloved grandson Rasheed.  She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to: her children, William and Kim Balknight; grandchildren, Jovan and Michaela Balknight; two great-grandchildren, Michae and Brayden; three nieces, Deborah, Rhonda and Robyn; one nephew, Rodney; and a host of many other loving relatives and many special friends. 

Submitted With Love,

The Family    

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