LANCASTER—Ora Leona Clarke Medlin, 85, of Lancaster passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 7, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1941, to James Andrew and Ora Dunaway Clarke. She had 10 brothers and sisters.
Leona leaves behind her beloved husband of 64 years, Lloyd Bruce Medlin Sr.; her son, Lloyd Bruce Medlin Jr. (Kristen) and daughter, Dana Medlin Crane (Adam). “Nannaw” also leaves behind five beautiful granddaughters Katie Renee Trist (Jake), Jessica Sterling Medlin, Cecilia Faith Crane, Leah Clarke Medlin and Caroline Clayton Medlin that she loved with all her heart. In her eyes, they could do no wrong. No one could ask for a better grandmother.
She is also survived by brothers and sister, Austin Clarke, Mary Jean Wilmore, R. D. Clarke and Llewellyn Clarke. Welcoming her to heaven were the others, Lois Wilmore, Jimmy Clarke, Mossy Clarke, Warren Clarke, Barbara Childs and Audrey Thomas. They were “one short of a dozen.” She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Leona embodied taking care of people. She was the heart of any home. She nourished, cherished and supported everyone that walked in the door, leaving their hearts and stomachs fulfilled. The love she poured into her recipes could never be replicated.
Her hobbies included her morning walks with Mary Jean, quilting with her sisters and enjoying short trips with family. Leona was famous for her welding hats; the only hat Lloyd ever wore.
Lonnie, as named by her bonus children Jonathan and Catherine, were fixtures of her home and heart. They in turn blessed her with four bonus grandchildren. Her love for them showed every day from favorite meals, snacks and biscuits to her support at school and sporting events. She was always providing a bonus home to go to, full of smiles and love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 11, at Lebanon Baptist Church in Lancaster. Burial was in the church cemetery and a reception followed.
