Doris Jean Leeper

In Loving Memory of Doris Jean Bonnette Leeper

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Whether it be a carport fish fry, a pea shelling party or an impromptu visit of friends stopping by for a cup of coffee, those were the best of times.

Doris Jean Bonnette Leeper, a lifelong resident of Winnfield, Louisiana, was born on December 24, 1945, and passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by the loving presence of her family.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Amos Morris Leeper, parents, Reginald "Buck" Bonnette and Elsie Belle Bonnette, and brother, Donnie Lee Bonnette.

She leaves behind children, Pamela Leeper Carpenter (Monty), Michael Leeper (Elena), and Chris Leeper (Barbie); grandchildren, Dena Ayala (Micheal), Logan Leeper (Haley), Starr Leeper, Austin Leeper (Lindsay), & Kelli Leeper; great grands, Michael "Bunt" Asken, Maezie Sanchez, Makena Thomas, Kace Bonnette, Allen Wayne & Adeline Leeper; sisters, Patsy Lester (David) & Carolyn Sue Franks; and a host of nieces & nephews and treasured friends. Doris is also survived by her bonus grands; J.R. Regalado, Richard Peterson, Benji Carpenter (Wendy), Kristan Wyatt (Tim), Ragan Perez (Victor), Stormy, Presley, Drew, Holly, Shelby, and Miranda.

Doris, who was fondly known as Nanny by her grands and close friends, will be remembered for her loving heart, spirit of joy, and her gift for making people feel welcome. Her children and grands were her pride and joy. She treasured time spent with family and friends. Whether it be a carport fish fry, a pea shelling party or an impromptu visit of friends stopping by for a cup of coffee, those were the best of times. She also enjoyed a mild spring morning spent with a cane pole, brim and white perch fishing with her beloved Morris. Doris's sisterhood bond with Patsy & Sue, with "Brother" in tow, yielded many a story of adventures filled with love & laughter.

For many years, Doris proudly served as a member of the Calvin High School lunchroom queens, preparing daily meals that alumni still remember as the best food ever. The buttered yeast rolls, rice dressing, coconut cake, and peanut butter cake became legendary, reflecting the love and care Doris brought to everything she did.

Later, Doris earned her cosmetology license and operated The Beauty Barn. That little beauty shop became a place where stories were shared, friendships grew, and people felt at home. The memories made there are a lasting part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Doris entered politics after the passing of her beloved husband, Morris. Through a widow's mandate she served as police jury woman for the Saline Lake District for the remainder of Morris's term. She was then elected for another term and dearly loved serving her constituents in that role.

For the past few years, Doris was a resident of Autumn Leaves Nursing Home where she was Queen of Mardi Gras and Queen of the smoke porch. She and her dear friend, Bird Warren, held court and talked for hours with their many friends.

Doris' s love for Jesus & her family and friends was endless. Her life was a wonderful example of loving others well. She loved by listening, by cooking and serving friends her delicious comfort food, and always seeing the best in everyone. One of her favorite sayings, "Love you more," captured the depth of that love perfectly and will remain a cherished reminder of the way she cared for those closest to her.

Funeral services will be held at Calvin Baptist Church, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM with Reverends Bill Verhoef, Lamar Carpenter, and Brian Montgomery officiating. A graveside service will follow at Sanders Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Mike Leeper, Chris Leeper, Austin Leeper, Logan Leeper, Starr Leeper, and Johnny Wooten will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, along with Reggie Franks, David Lester, Monty Carpenter, and Phillip Cheek.

Friends may visit with the family at Southern Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday at Calvin Baptist Church, September 15, 2026 from noon until service time.

Though she will be deeply missed, Doris's memory will live on through her family, her friends, the many people she welcomed into her life, and the countless lives she touched with her love and laughter.

Rest in peace, Nanny. Love you more.

Friends may express memories and condolences online by visiting southernfuneralhome.com