Ms. Ophelia Evans Leaverett was born on April 4, 1928, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fleming and Lillie Evans in Columbia County, GA. She was the fifth of eleven children born to that union. She was married to the late Mr. Willie James Leaverett, Sr., with whom she had three children—Mary, Martha, and James, Jr. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the age of 96.

Ms. Leaverett joined Beulah Grove Baptist Church at an early age, under the leadership of Rev. O.C. Parker, and was a member for over 80 years. She proudly served on the Junior and Senior Usher Boards for over 70 years, while serving as the Uniform Inspector for many years. Her service exemplified the spirit of Psalms 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. This faithful servant retired from the Veteran Affairs (VA) Hospital after over 30 years of service.

Ophelia, a dedicated member of Bright Morning Star Chapter No. 4 of the Order of the Eastern Star, carved a significant place in the history of fraternal and charitable organizations. Her exemplary leadership and vision were recognized on April 8th, 1959 when she was appointed as the first Grand Mistress/Most Ancient From The Grand East of the Most Ancient National Grand Court of the Heroines of Jericho of U.S.A. Dependencies working Under and by Authority of the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of F, and A.A.Y.M most marking a groundbreaking moment in the organization's history. Said court was called L Moton of Terrace Manor #702.

Affectionately called “Granny” or “Aunt Ray”, she was the matriarch of five generations. She enjoyed working in her yard, tending to her plants, and sitting on her porch with a cool glass of lemonade or Coca-Cola. She seldom missed an opportunity to spend quality time with her loved ones, traveling near and far to be front and center for life’s milestones. Granny was a kind woman with a sweet demeanor and a welcoming smile. She possessed a gentle strength and always encouraged those around her to take everything to the Lord in prayer.

She is preceded in death by her son, James Leaverett, Jr., and son-in-law, Robert Cheely; siblings, Willie Hawthorne, Gussie May Carter, John Henry Evans, Carrie McDonald, Clara Roberts, Fleming Evans, Jr., Minnie Evans, Lula Moses, and Tim Evans. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters - Mary Cheely and Martha (Fred) Ramsey, Sr.; sister, Ann Walker, adopted children, Willie and Linda Bowes; five grandchildren - Terrie Lewis-Hale, Anthony (Eva) Cheely, Fred Ramsey, Jr., Monica Ramsey, and Yolanda (Sheri) Ramsey; 10 great-grandchildren - SheTeriha (Demetrius) Lewis-Hartley, ShaQuan Shelton, Daniel Williams, Adeerah Cheely, Sinclair Jacobs, Nigel Carter, Elexis Ramsey, EJ Cheely, Caidon Todd, KJ Cheely, Caison Ramsey; 9 great-great-grandchildren; close nephew Anthony (Kavindra) White and family, close nieces Elizabeth “Sugardoll” Bennett and family, Carolyn McDonald, in addition to a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.

Public visitation will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the mortuary. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 3:00PM at Beulah Grove Baptist Church, 1434 Poplar Street, Augusta, GA. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Southview Cemetery, 1102 Nellieville Road, Augusta, GA.

W.H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401