Ashland, Kentucky - "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23.

It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Leava Carol Pickard, age 74, of Ashland Kentucky, who entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2025.

Born on November 23, 1950 in Welch West Virginia, one of 13 children of the late William Hurst and Tilda Jane Grizzell Parsons, Leava lived a life marked by selflessness, faith, and unwavering love. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother in law, sister, friend, and servant of the Lord, she poured her heart into caring for others, never seeking the spotlight, but always shining it on those around her.

Leava was an accomplished author whose words reflected the deep compassion, wisdom, and faith she carried within her. Through her writing, she touched countless lives, offering encouragement, healing, and hope to those in need. It was that nurturing heart that led to her love for Christmas. The magic of the holiday remained in Leava's heart all through out the year.

Above all else, Leava was a mother and a grandmother. Her love for her children and grandson was boundless, fierce, tender, and sacrificial. They were the heartbeat of her life, and she cherished every moment with them. She instilled in them not just values and strength, but the comfort of knowing they were unconditionally loved.

A faithful servant of God, Leava dedicated her life to helping others. Whether through quiet acts of kindness, thoughtful words of support, or simply being a steadfast presence in times of need, she lived out her faith daily, not in grand gestures, but in the countless little ways that revealed her true spirit. She was the one others turned to for prayer, comfort, and encouragement, a steady rock in a world of shifting sands.

She believed in the power of love and lived her life as a living example of grace. Her door was always open, her arms always ready for an embrace, and her words always filled with hope. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, unwavering faith and unconditional love. Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever remain in the lives she touched and the hearts she held so dearly.

Leava was preceded in death by her eight siblings Donald Parsons, Dora Conley, Geri Boggs, Jack Parsons, Dave Parsons, James Leroy Parsons, Rick Parsons, and Joel Parsons.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years Reverend Bruce Pickard of Ashland Kentucky, her children, James Kerns (Becky) of Ashland Kentucky, Katrina Kerns (Larissa) of Columbus Ohio, her grandson Parker Jude Reynolds of Columbus Ohio, her sisters Louise Green of Sarasota, Florida; Joy Waugh of Nashville Tennessee; Margie Caudill of Flatwoods Kentucky; Jill Reynolds of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, her true friend Liz, extended family, dear friends, and all those blessed enough to have known her.

A celebration of her life and Home-going will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, beginning at 2pm, at Neal Funeral Home, located at 2409 Center Street Catlettsburg, KY, Visitation for friends and family will take place prior to the service from 12pm to 2pm.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family from our Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home or from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com.

Neal Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Leva Carol Pickard.