Life Reflections

~THE BEGINNING~

Leon Pinckney, the fourth of fourteen children, was born on November 10, 1928, to the late Lela Mack Pinckney and the late Joe Pinckney in the rural county of St. Stephen, South Carolina. After the death of his biological mother-Lela, his father, Joe married Louise (Sis) Blanding, when Leon was 15 years old.

~THE TRANSITION~

Leon departed this life as peacefully as he lived, in the early morning of Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Berkeley Post Acute Skilled Nursing Facility after an extended illness.

~THE MAN~

Leon ironically began his career in Augusta, GA as a waterboy at a local Construction Company. With self-determination and zeal to advance, he spent time observing others and eventually was given the opportunity to work as a journeyman and ultimately an Operating Engineer. It was there in Augusta that he met and married the love of his life, Elnora Gilyard, who preceded him in death. The couple started their family in Georgia with the birth of two (2) of their four (4) children, and then followed Leon's career to the West Coast where the last two (2) children were born. Leon and Elnora built a dynasty of strong men and women who will forever carry on his legacy. Herein began the West Coast Pinckney Dynasty which started with four (4) children, one (Margaret) preceded him in death.

~THE MYTH~

Leon was a member of St. Michael Reformed Episcopal Church in South Carolina during his youth, and after moving to California, he became a member of Santa Clarita Christian Fellowship Church.

~THE LEGEND~

Leon excelled at everything he did. After his retirement from Construction as an Operating Engineer, he helped a dear friend, Joe Rucker, manage his mortuary. What began as a one-time favor for his friend turned into a full-time position. Leon was instrumental in the hiring and teaching of Michael Wright, who is now a managing partner of Rucker's Mortuary. Michael holds Leon in very high esteem. Due to his caring, kindness and generosity, Leon became mentor to many families he met along the way.

Leon was known as 'Dad' and 'Grandpa' by many who met him because 'Mr' did not give him enough credit. As was stated, Leon began his zest for an adventurous life at a very early age. He was afforded the opportunity to explore the country through his work experiences. The stories he shared of his life were well received by anyone who listened.

There was a lesson to be learned from each. His family was always his priority.

~THE LEGACY~

Preceding Leon in death are his father, Joe Pinckney; his mother, Lela Mack Pinckney; his stepmother, Louise (Sis) Pinckney; his wife, Elnora Gilyard Pinckney; daughter, Margaret Pinckney Elliott; three (3) brothers, Reuben Pinckney, Leroy Pinckney and Andrew Pinckney; and two (2) sisters, Albertha Pinckney Addison and Regina Pinckney Lanham.

Those left to cherish his memories are his children, Leon Pinckney Jr. of Buckeye AZ, Charles Alan (Milli) Pinckney of Santa Clarita CA, and Anthony Pinckney of Sun Valley CA; grandchildren, Jerome (Tanisha) Elliott, Catrisha (Kenneth Cooper) Elliott, Michael (Shameka Barth) Elliott, Earl (Sylvia) Pinckney, Leon Jason (Keitha) Pinckney, LaKesha Pinckney, Kevin (Ronnette) Pinckney, Eric Pinckney, Tora (Roderick Smith) Brown, Charles Alan II (Maureen) Pinckney, Ann-Natasha (Cathy Arrieta) Pinckney and Toni Pinckney; Twenty Nine (29) great grandchildren (listed below); Nine (9) great-great grandchildren (listed below); four (4) brothers Clarence Pinckney of Charleston, SC, Bobby Pinckney of Bronx NY, Benjamin Pinckney of Bronx NY, William James (Bettye) Pinckney of Boise Idaho; four (4) sisters Delphia Pinckney of Summerville, SC, Barbara (Larry) Jordan of Bedford Hills NY, Joann Wells of St. Stephen, SC, and Delores (ZC) Williams of Summerville, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

29 Great Grandchildren: Makiya Valentine ~ Heaven Valentine ~ Zurie Elliott Arya Elliott ~ Christian Pinckney Sr. ~ Ryan Pinckney ~ Breaunne Pinckney Jordin Pinckney ~ Brandon Pinckney ~ Bryant Pinckney ~ Jadin Pinckney LaNiqua Pinckney ~ Aries Pinckney ~ Jalen Pinckney ~ Sabrianna Pinckney Kourtney Pinckney ~ Essence Gibson ~ Nia Pinckney ~ Kevin Pinckney II Ke’vion Pinckney ~ Aaliyah Pinckney ~ Kia Pinckney ~ Lailah Pinckney Charles Alan Pinckney III ~ Emoni Pinckney ~ Emahna Pinckney Briauna Moreno ~ Brealynn Moreno ~ Mason Moreno

9 Great Great Grandchildren: Christian Pinckney Jr. ~ Veronica Pinckney Amyra Pinckney ~ Amanda Pinckney ~ Irene Pinckney ~ Julian Pinckney Gianna Pinckney ~ Travortag Johnson ~ DaeVion Golden