Leonard Sturdivant was born on August 30, 1926 to the late David and Jude Sturdivant in Lismer, Alabama. He was the fourth child of six. His brothers, JC, Eliah, Leroy, and Quincy preceded Leonard in death, along with two sons; Jesse and Don. Leonard made his transition from this life to eternal life with his Lord and Savior on March 22, 2015 at the age of eighty-eight with his family and friends at his side.
He attended Lismer High School in Lismer, Alabama before moving to Cincinnati, OH in 1950. He worked at Monat Menegrie Pet Store as a skilled pet groomer. After many years of perfecting his skill, he caught the entrepreneur fever and purchased the Pet Store, making him the First African American owner of a dog grooming business in Cincinnati.
Leonard married the love of his life Cather Sturdivant on November 2, 1957. Cather introduced Leonard to the Church of Christ in 1958 where he was baptized under the leadership of David Christmon. Aside from his family Leonard’s greatest love was the church. He was always ready to quote a scripture and tell you what it meant. Leonard was a devoted, faithful and hardworking Deacon thru his illness.
He leaves to joyfully celebrate his life; his loving wife of 57 years, Cather Sturdivant; his son, Johnny Sturdivant of Miami, Florida; sister, Mamie Kate Halcombie of Lismer, Alabama; brother, Dansy (Lillymae) of Victorville, California ;sister-in-laws, Mary Bonham, Jerrilynn McCreary, Bernice Sturdivant, Jessie Sturdivant and Gladys Trawick; brother-in-laws, James (Sylvia) and Ulysses (Alice) and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren and very dear and caring friends that are too numerous to name.
Leonard was very loving and giving person until the end of his life.