Mary Leipert Mikel

Mary Kay Leipert Mikel, a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, passed from this life on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on April 12, 1947, in Hanceville, Alabama, Mary led a life filled with love, resilience, and dedication to her family.

Mary left school in the sixth grade to support her family through sharecropping, yet her determination shone brightly when, at the age of 51, she returned to her studies to earn her Graduate Equivalence Degree (GED). This accomplishment stood as a testament to her unwavering spirit and commitment to personal growth.

In 1965, she married Valentine Andrew Leipert, Jr., and they enjoyed ten blissful years together until his passing in 1975. During the last part of his life, Mary became a compassionate caregiver. She dedicated herself to caring for the needs of her husband and her family. Over the years, she became the ultimate caregiver, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own.

While initially embarking on a career in retail sales, Mary found her true calling as a homemaker, where she nurtured her family with her exceptional culinary skills. Her son, Darrell, fondly remembers her chicken and dressing as a family favorite, alongside her renowned cornbread, beans, and fried potatoes. Mary was also famous for her delightful chicken and dumplings, a dish that brought warmth and togetherness to family gatherings.

Mary possessed a green thumb with an extraordinary ability to cultivate and care for plants, ensuring they thrived for years. In addition to her gardening talents, she cherished time spent engaged in games, whether they be board games or card games. Yahtzee and Farkle were among her favorites, bringing joy and laughter to her home.

An avid fisherwoman, Mary particularly enjoyed the thrill of deep-sea fishing, where she found peace and contentment in the embrace of nature. Throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her faith, identifying proudly as a Baptist, and finding strength and community in her beliefs.

Mary is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Vicki Leipert; grandchildren, Olivia Leipert, Melanie (Basil) Burge, Tamara Wright, Jessica Leipert, and Brandon Leipert; great grandchildren, Jaxon Gramling, Addison Burge, Easton and Eli Richey, Zane Leipert, Angelina Jaimes, and Marcus Brown; brother, Phil (Judy) Hinkle; sisters, Faye (Buddy) Patterson, Pat (John) Knight, and Marsha Hinkle; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins, who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Silbert and Ivy Hinkle; husband, Valentine Leipert, Jr.; son, Stanley Christopher Leipert; brothers, Avery, Wayne, and Lawrence Hinkle; and sister, Betty Wingo.

Mary Kay Mikel will forever be remembered for her kindness, nurturing nature, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements will be available on Wednesday.