Sarah McLeod

Public Viewing, Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 1:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. at Hull’s Walnut Creek Chapel.

Celebration of Life Service, Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00a.m at Glad Tidings, 970 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward, Ca 94544

So sad to hear of the passing of our Beloved Mother Sarah N. McLeod

Previously a Walnut Creek Resident.

A Life Well Lived

Mother Sarah Nell McLeod was born on September 26, 1937, in the small town of Prentiss, Mississippi. Havon and Della Butler joyfully welcomed their daughter into their large and loving family of 23 children. Sarah Nell was number 8!

Mother Sarah McLeod, embraced her faith in Christ at the tender age of seven, as a member of True Vine Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend D.R. Curry. By the age of eight, she experienced the profound blessing of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Throughout her teenage years, Mother McLeod exhibited remarkable leadership skills, earning the affectionate title of “Second Mom” within her family. Little did she realize these experiences were shaping her for future roles as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and a compassionate Pastor’s wife.

Mother Sarah McLeod stood out for her vibrant spirit, kindness, and popularity among friends and neighbors; characteristics she displayed from a young age. Despite lacking the modern conveniences we often take for granted today, she showed unwavering determination, walking ten miles each day to pursue her education at Prentiss Institution. Her academic excellence was evident when she graduated with honors. She excelled particularly in economics and nursing.

Mother Sarah McLeod embarked on a new chapter by moving to California in February 1958. There she met the love of her life, Hollie L. McLeod, and they married on July 25, 1959. Together, Sarah and Hollie lovingly raised six children: Hollie Jr., Murender, Curee, Camillia, Vendon, and Kennard. Once her children reached a self-sufficient age, Mother McLeod re-entered the workforce as an Instructional Assistant for the West Contra Costa Unified School District, pouring her heart into educating and uplifting young minds. She had a deep love for people, both young and old, that led her to dedicate herself tirelessly to the church community.

Mother Sarah McLeod wasn’t just known for her remarkable faith and leadership; she was also a legendary cook and baker! Her homemade rolls weren’t just delicious—they were reason enough to show up early for Sunday dinner, and possibly sneak a few into your pockets to savor later. Sunday dinners at Mother McLeod’s were an event you absolutely couldn’t miss, especially if you valued your taste buds. Let’s not even get started on her desserts! Whether it was Pineapple Coconut Cake, rich German Chocolate, classic Pound Cake, zesty 7-Up Cake, tangy Buttermilk Pie, or heavenly Sweet Potato Pies, Mother McLeod had you covered—and possibly in need of a second plate.

Mother Sarah McLeod loved the Lord and she served faithfully in numerous roles, including Sunshine Band leader, Bible Band President, Sunday School teacher, Purity President, Licensed Missionary, First Lady, and Church Mother of 40 years at Family Church of God in Christ Ministries.

If you asked those closest to Mother Mcleod to describe her, her husband would warmly say she was the best partner anyone could hope for. Her children would lovingly attest to her sweetness, concern, unwavering love, and willingness to always extend a helping hand.

Mother McLeod’s children didn’t just call her blessed; they called her whenever they were hungry! Mother McLeod was indeed a beautiful jewel—rare, sparkling, and incredibly valuable. Her church community would proudly share that she was a steadfast supporter, wise leader, and inspiring teacher, beloved by everyone around her.

Truly, Queen Mother Sarah Nell McLeod was the epitome of faith, love, and service. She was a remarkable Proverbs 31 woman—except maybe even better, because last we checked, Proverbs didn’t mention anything about heavenly homemade rolls!

Mother McLeod was preceded in death by her parents Havon and Della Butler, her husband H.L. McLeod Sr, four sisters: Christine, Louella, Gladys, and Willena, ten brothers: Marcus, Ellis, Levi, Havon, Daniel, Horace, Hollis, Jesse, Howard, John, and seven more siblings, daughter: (The Blessed One) Camilla McLeod-Cheney, Sons-in-love: Elder Nathaniel Jackson, Karl Carter Sr, and grandson: Hollie McLeod III.

Mother McLeod will be greatly missed by her sons and daughters Kennard McLeod (Ayana), Murender McLeod-Carter, Vendon McLeod (Paulette), Hollie C. McLeod Jr ( Lydia), Curee Jackson (Earl), daughter-in-love Patricia Bernstine, son-in-love Anthony Cheney, and brother David Butler.

Grandma Sarah will be missed by her Twenty-seven grandchildren: Camisha and Lathaniel Carroll, Marie McLeod, Patrice Jackson, Sarina Jackson, Kennard McLeod Jr, Mikaella McLeod, Samuel Jackson Jr, Vendon and Vernia McLeod Jr, Austin Jackson, Vance McLeod, Nathaniel Jackson, LaSarah Cheney, LaNell and Oryon Atualevao, Morgan McLeod, Mackenzie McLeod, Marques Cheney, Availek Martin, Gereme and Shequoia Barrett, Crystalyn Barrett, LaTisa Cheney, SanDria Cheney;Twenty-four Great Grandchildren: Dezmen, Roland, Taylor McLeod, Laneya Carroll, Lathaniel Carroll Jr, Naomi McLeod, Genesis Barrett, Zoie Burgess, Shiyloh Barrett, Rubin McLeod, Calina McLeod, Ronen McLeod, Valentino McLeod, Sage McLeod, Uh’Shyyla Hill, Uh’Shyy Hill, Cataleya Cheney, Nova Jackson, Samuel Jackson, LaNiyah Bailey, LaJean Morgan, Kylan Devore, Kayla Devore, JaKyron Scales, SaRoya Cheney, and Two Great-Great Grandchildren: Kamari Roland and Ayla Atualevao, and a host of family members and friends.