05/31/2026
My Colleague, My Brother... May Your Works Speak For You...
My journey within this industry began many years ago, with my foundation being Leak & Sons Funeral Home. It was there that I learned the true values of compassionate care and serving families.
The Leak family embraced me, welcomed me in, and taught me so much. Mr. and Mrs. Leak loved me as a daughter, and when my loving daughter was born, she quickly took my spot.
Then there was Spencer Jr.
I learned so much from him. He never allowed me to simply do what I wanted because he recognized where my true gifts were. Of course, I threw my share of fits. We became brother and sister, and trust me, that's exactly how we acted. Some battles I won, but many he won. Over time, I eventually "grew on" but he never let me forget where HOME was.
One of the greatest acts of love he ever showed me came when my grandmother passed away. As someone who serves families every day, I thought I could somehow do the same for my own family. The truth is, I was heartbroken, and serving my own was more than I could emotionally handle.
Without hesitation, Spencer Jr. and the amazing Leak & Sons staff stepped in and carried us through one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. He held my hand, made sure my family was cared for, and ensured I wasn't carrying the weight alone. He made sure I could simply be a granddaughter. Even in my profession, he reminded me that it was okay to grieve.
That was Spencer.
A few weeks ago, I sent him a text, and instead of texting back, he picked up the phone and called. During that conversation, I teased him about stepping even further into his father's shoes. I told him to let me know when he'd be preaching his first sermon because it was truly in him.
Although we didn't talk every day, there was always an unspoken understanding that we were looking out for one another. That's what brothers and sisters do.
Today, our hearts have taken a tremendous hit. So many are shattered.
Our beloved Spencer Leak, Jr. is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
I could ask for so much right now, but my only request is that you keep his amazing wife, Donna, his incredible children, Tre (Spencer, III) and Emma Sophia, the phenomenal Mr. Spencer ("Papa") and Henrietta ("Mother") Leak, Sr., Stacy, Stevie, his beautiful sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, the entire Leak family, and the Leak & Sons staff lifted in prayer.
Jr.!!!!! This is unreal.
But as we've said so many times before...
MAY YOUR WORKS SPEAK FOR YOU!!!
Until we meet in glory,
WE LOVE YOU!
Denesha Ballard & The Ballard Family
