Leona Amelia Tota

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of a phenomenal woman. Leona Amelia Tota, was a beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend and so much more. She was 76 years old when she left us on February 4th, 2026. Leona’s journey on this Earth was filled with love, resilience, happiness and triumphant moments. Her legacy will continue to shine bright in our hearts forever. Leona Tota née Wallace was born in Basseterre St. Kitts on January 15th 1950 to Brunilda S. Leader and Joseph Browne. As a child she was quick to fight, always ready to speak her mind regardless of the consequences, just as stubborn and as hard headed as can be. After high school Leona became a mom, and gave birth to her first child Brian. She moved to Puerto Rico a few years later where she became fluent in Spanish and continued to live there for five years before migrating to New York. A few years after her move Leona met the love of her life Carl Tota and was a dedicated partner for forty five years. They were married for thirty eight of those years and their love though it was unconventional it stood the test of time. As a mother, Leona was the cornerstone of our family. She devoted her life to her eight children and was a foster mother to countless others. Though she only gave birth to one of them even she couldn’t tell the difference as they were all just her children whom she loved with unwavering devotion. She was our first teacher, our guiding light, and our fiercest protector. She taught us the values of love, compassion, hard work and strength and just when we thought she had nothing else to give, she became even more fierce when she became a grandmother as she loved her grandkids more than life itself. Throughout her life, Leona achieved many remarkable feats she received her associates degree which allowed her to excel in her career from clerk in Sanitation to supervisor for HRA in the State of New York where she worked until she retired. Her dedication to her work was an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the importance of hard work and perseverance. One of Leonas greatest joys in life was Cooking. She poured so much love and care into her dishes that anyone who sampled her food would immediately feel the love and care she put into her food Her love of sewing was something she picked up from her mother who was a seamstress which led to her love of clothes and everyone who knew her knows how much she enjoyed being dressed to impress. As we bid farewell to Leona let us remember the legacy she leaves behind. Her love, unwavering loyalty and profound impact she had on each of us will continue to guide us on our own journeys. Her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and strength. Leona was not just a mother; she was a beacon of love, strength, and wisdom. Her presence will be sorely missed, but her spirit will live on through the memories we hold dear. Leona leaves behind her husband Carl Tota, children Brian Wallace Candace Hatfield, Rodrick Tota, Travis & Christal Tota Tasha & April Tota, Antwon Woods, Carlie & Jhori Tota and Jamari Tota her grandchildren Amir, Amayah, Nevaeh, Tajeeh, Mikaah, Josiah and Jaxon sister Angela & Edwin Byron brother Dr Mervin & Fearne Leader and her nieces and nephews. Let us honor her memory by living our lives with the same qualities she possessed-cherishing our loved ones, and never forgetting the profound influence she had on us all. Leona will forever hold a special place in our hearts. A devoted family member and friend, Leona’s warmth, wisdom, and kindness will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of generosity, compassion, and unyielding strength. Family, friends, and all those touched by Leona’s life are invited to the following services to honor her memory: Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, February 23rd, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Gregory B Levett and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034. Internment Melwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday on February 21st, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please express your memories and condolences here on our website. Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. SOUTH DEKALB CHAPEL 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034 (404)241-5656. Her legacy continues in the hearts she touched and the lives she enriched. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a guiding light for all who knew her. Leona will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered forever.

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Leona Amelia Tota

January 15, 1950 - February 4, 2026