Elizabeth “Lib” Irene Troutman Leatherwood, 91, passed away quietly at Brookdale Assisted Living Center, where she had resided for several years, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. She was the youngest child of Samuel C. and Marie S. Troutman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Samuel Jr., Paul and Melvin; and her sisters, Julia and Nellie.

She met and married the love of her life, Isaac “Buster” Leatherwood, on September 12, 1948, and celebrated over 70 years of marriage before his passing. Together they raised a loving family. Their daughter Susan also predeceased them.

Left to tell of her life and treasure her memories are her daughter, Kathy Leatherwood Ipock of Statesville, and her son, Larry Leatherwood and his wife JoAnn. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Corey and Melissa Leatherwood, Stacy and Ron Melvin, Michelle Leatherwood, Bret and Caroline Leatherwood and Emily and Jeremy Brady. She is also survived by eight great- grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

She and Buster owned and operated the Dairy Bar at Signal Hill Mall for many years where she always kept her homemade pimento cheese sandwiches and vegetable soup ready. She delighted in baking and decorating cakes for the popular ice cream cakes for parties and anniversaries.

She and Buster raised their family at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was active in the choir and the Ladies Circle. She and Buster were both active in the Wayside and Cool Springs communities. Like her father, Lib was an avid gardener and took great pride in growing new flowers and plants and passing them on to her children. We are enjoying the many plants in our own yards, thanks to her green thumb and thoughtfulness to share. Her biggest pride was watching her grandchildren “kids” play outside in the pool or riding their scooters. Christmas always became a time of delight for her, watching her “kids’ enjoy being with their cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. The family will speak to friends following the service.

The family wishes to thank the excellent caregivers of Brookdale Peachtree for the care and comfort they extended to Lib and to them during her residency there. Also, their heartfelt thanks for the care and comfort provided by Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Leatherwood family.