Leona H. Fennell

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Leona H. Fennell

Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home

Leona H. Fennell, a beloved icon of the Walterboro community, passed away Monday evening, September 13, 2021 at her home under hospice care, with her devoted grandchildren by her side.  She was 96. 

Leona was born in Walterboro July 28, 1925, one of eight children of the late Tommy Joseph Hiott and Bessie Bishop Hiott.  She graduated from Walterboro High School, and as a young woman, supported her country on the home front by working at the Charleston Navy Yard during WWII.  After attending beauty school, she opened “Leona’s Beauty Shop”.  A downtown business fixture on Lucas Street for over fifty years, it was a warm and inviting place for ladies from all walks of life to gather and enjoy each other’s company.  Countless stories were told, and endless laughs were shared, by its patrons.  Leona’s love of people was always evident each day, and she often did hair for ladies without compensation, knowing that if they felt good about themselves, it would carry over into the way they treated others.  To say that Leona loved Walterboro was an understatement…the town was woven into the fabric of her life. Over the years she was known as a “shoulder to lean on” during times of loss and suffering…always showing up at deaths and funerals with a compassionate heart…and great southern food…for the family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro.  Her passing has created a void in the community that will never be replaced, but her time here made Walterboro, and its citizens, better for having her here.

She is survived by her two grandchildren, Laycie L. Ewing (Todd) of Mableton, GA and W. Laurin “Beep” Larson III (Heather) of Walterboro.  Her two great grandchildren, Laurin Elizabeth Ewing and Lillia Larson were a source of pride and love for her.  She leaves behind her brother T. J. Hiott of Columbia.  In 2018 Leona lost her beloved daughter Linda F. Larson, and in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings:  Floyd Hiott, Lucas Hiott, Cecil Hiott, Winona H. Fox, E. Frances Hiott, and Helen H. Knight.    

In consideration of the circumstances that currently exist with the coronavirus, and with Leona’s final wish that nobody in her community become sick because of her, the family will hold funeral services privately.  A public celebration of her life will be held at a later date when conditions improve.  At the very end, Leona wanted all of her friends to know that she loved them…would miss them…and would see them all again one day in Heaven.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.