Leila Bell Rucker

Leila B. Rucker was born on February 3, 1933, in Greenwood, South Carolina, to Georgia Mae Yeldell and Shelby Yeldell. After a long and courageous battle with dementia, she peacefully completed her earthly journey, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love, kindness, and faith.

A devoted Jehovah's Witness, Leila's faith guided the way she lived her life. She was soft-spoken, humble, and known for her gentle spirit. She loved deeply and gave selflessly, always putting the needs of her family before her own. Whether through a listening ear, a warm embrace, or quiet acts of kindness, she made everyone around her feel loved.

Leila was the foundation of her family. Through her strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love, she nurtured generations, creating a legacy that will continue to flourish for years to come. Though dementia gradually changed many things, it never diminished the love she shared or the impact she made on the lives of those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Linda Pierce, and son-in-law, Charles Pierce; her sister, Elizabeth Aye, and brother-in-law, Wallace Aye; and her brother, Eddie Yeldell, and her sister-in-law, Mattie Yeldell.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Carriemae Branch, wife of the late Roger Branch; Diane Welsh (Joe Welsh); Linwood Harris (Edna Harris); and her devoted son, Jesse Sam'i (Akilah Sam'i); grandchildren Tammy Johnson (Clarence Johnson), Latanya Yeldell, Shawanda Yeldell, devoted granddaughter Lalita Sylvers (Edmund Sylvers), Jessica Thompson, Jessalynn Sam’i, Latesha Sam’i Melton (Eric Melton), Roger Branch, and Christie Branch; along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all whose lives were forever touched by her love.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Friday, July 31, 2026, from 2 to 7:30 p.m., and where funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. Interment Oakwood Cemetery.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

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