Leona was born October 7, 1941, in Marietta, the daughter of Charlie and Odra (Lambert) Stewart. She grew up and attended schools in Marietta where she graduated with the Class of 1959. Leona later married the love of her life, Terry Pierce on March 9, 1962, in Marietta. The two spent more than 61 married years together.

After their marriage, Leona stayed home to manage the house and raise their daughter. She loved spending time with her daughter above anything else. However, Leona did from time to time sit down in front of the television and watch a good western or spend a little time playing on her computer. Leona did enter the workforce a little bit later in life when she took a position with the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. She worked there for more than ten years before returning to her homemaker role.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents and by a brother, Lyndall Stewart. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Terry; daughter, Cristal Pierce of Huntington Beach, CA; grandson, Ryder Michael Cano-Pierce; sister, Jean Holder of Gainesville, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

Casket bearers are Rodney Pierce, Kevin Pierce, Justin Pierce, Clint Hartman, Lane Carter, and Ty Hartman.