Leola Napier

Leola Napier, born on July 29, 1943, in Hyden, Kentucky, peacefully passed away on December 20, 2024, at the Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Kentucky. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and unwavering faith touched the lives of many.

A devoted homemaker, Leola was well-known for her deep commitment to her family and the Pentecostal faith. Her warm and generous spirit was evident as she often spent delightful moments cooking for her loved ones, welcoming everyone with open arms. Loved ones fondly remember her as a nurturing figure, always putting the needs of others before her own and embodying a true servant's heart.

Leola’s proudest accomplishments include being lovingly referred to as the "Beechwood Queen" at her home, reflecting her dedication to ensuring that everyone had what they needed. She cherished her faith and found joy in attending church and reading her Bible.

She is survived by her son Gary Napier (Jean) of Stinnett; daughters Kathy Whitehead of Stinnett, Brenda Foster of Hyden, and Lillie Mae Howard (Lynn) of Stinnett; and sister Ethel Collett of Hazard. Leola was graced with eight cherished grandchildren: granddaughters Melissa Turner (Michael) of Manchester, Kentucky, and Natasha Howard (Brandon) of Stinnett, as well as grandsons Josh Napier, John Howard, Greg Howard, Justin Howard, and Terry Whitehead, all of Stinnett, Kentucky, and Michael Whitehead (Joanna) of Essie, Kentucky. Her treasured great-grandchildren included Madison Turner, McKenna Turner, Dalton Whitehead, Kaydance Whitehead, Elijah Howard, Isaiah Howard, Zoey Howard, Jaymee Howard, and Dakota Lynn Howard. A host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive her.

Leola is preceded in death by her parents, Onzie and Fannie Roberts Morgan; her husband, Carts Lee Napier; brother Estel Morgan; sisters Orvice Napier and Maybelline Madden; son-in-law Dale Whitehead; and grandson Curt Howard.

Visitation will take place at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home in Hyden, Kentucky, on December 26, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM with Ralph Brown and Michael Turner officiating.

Interment will follow in the Glady Branch Cemetery at Stinnett, KY with Michael Turner, Lynn Howard, Josh Napier, Jamie Washburn, Michael Whitehead, and Chris Smith serving as pallbearers. 

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.