Leona Geraldine (Whiteside) Wade

Leona Geraldine Whiteside Wade, known to most as Granny, was born in Luther, Oklahoma, to Thomas and Ellen Whiteside. After graduating from Wichita East High School, Leona traveled to Columbus, Ohio, where she became a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church. She served in several ministries such as Bible Class No. 3, Senior Choir No. 2, and Dorcus Home and Foreign Missions. She did day work and graduated from Poro Beauty College. Leona did not just become a beautician, she was appointed by Governor Rhodes as the State Proctor for the State of Ohio for many years. She was a constant figure on East Long Street as the owner of Mocha Beauty Salon, where she gave opportunities to young, aspiring cosmetologists. Among her many accomplishments, she was also the founder of a beautician's club called The Culturettes, and the past president of the Phi Zeta Nu Chapter of Alpha Chi Pi Omega, a beautician's sorority. On July 21, 2016, at the age of 96, Leona was called to her eternal rest with Lord while at her daughter's residence in Lithonia, Georgia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Wade, four brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by her daughter Karen M. (Mike) Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter Cheri M. Wade; grandson Michael C. Triplett; six great grandchildren, Mikayle L. Triplett, Nehaeha Leona-Marie Williams, Kentravious Price, Michael C. Triplett, Jr., Mya Triplett, and Ariana Bonner; special great nieces Kendra Eaves (Charles), Alice Troy, and Charnise Eaves of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a host of other relatives and friends.