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On Monday, October 18, 2010, Leona Dell Swiger Laisure departed this life at Meadowview Manor Health Care Center and rejoined her loved ones and her beloved Savior following an extended illness.  Born on July 31, 1921, she was the youngest child of the late William Lafayette Swiger and Agnes Elizabeth Stull Swiger of Clarksburg.   

On June 15, 1940, she became the bride of Cecil Frederick Laisure.  They weathered 49 years together before he left her in April 1989 for his eternal rest. 

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Cecil Leroy “Rusty” and Debbie Laisure, Philippi; and her adopted daughter and son-in-law Deborah Jean “Debi” and John Matz of Bridgeport.  She is also survived by two beloved grandchildren, Colin Matthew Matz of Bridgeport and Morgan Evan Matz of St. Louis, MO, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and was preceded in death by two sisters, Genevieve Bell Swiger Rhoades (husband J.C. “Tink”) of Fairmont, and Jessie Lovella Swiger who died in infancy; and a brother, William “Earl” Swiger (wife Helen) of Akron, OH. 

Leona was the product of Harrison County Schools, having attended East View Grade School, Broadway Junior High, and graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Class of 1940. 

Among her many jobs, Leona was employed as a waitress and cook for McCroy’s, manager of Farm Fresh Market in East View, and as a custodian and supervisor at Petroleum Development Corporation.  She was known as a hard-working and loyal employee. 

She loved to watch sports of any kind, especially those involving her grandson or granddaughter, and she loved to play Bingo at the East View Senior Citizens’ Center when her health permitted and then at Bridgeport Manor, where she was a resident for approximately 13 years and made many great friends.  She also enjoyed being out in nature and going for long drives with her beloved Cecil.

Leona was a life-long member of the East View Evangelical United Brethren Church, which is now the United Methodist Church.  She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and held many business offices there.  Church and her relationship with God were central to her life and got her through many trying times.  She used this close relationship to be a great listener and advisor to many friends and acquaintances, as well as an excellent example for her children.

Memorial contributions in Leona’s memory are requested to East View UM Church Building Fund, Rt. 2, Box 545, Clarksburg, WV 26301

Family and friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Wednesday October 20, 2010 from 3:00-8:00 pm, where services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

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