Leora Fannin

Leora “Mom Fannin”, age 100, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016 at her residence. She was born March 28, 1916 in Rown County, Kentucky to the late Daniel Boone and Anna F. (Jent) DeHart.

At the age of 3 Leora’s family moved to New Castle. Self educated, Leora and her husband, whom she married at 16, owned several businesses including The Southern Café and a café and dance hall at Mt. Lawn. In the 1960s and 70s she worked with her father and son-in-law, Willard Jones, building United States Steel and Gunnison Homes. Leora was a Realtor for more than 40 years and was Henry County’s first female real estate agent and owner of Fannin Realty. After retirement, she and her husband purchased a house boat. Her fondest memories were the times spent with family on Lake Cumberland. She was a member of The Sanctuary and had taught Sunday school for many years. She was an excellent cook and was known for her pies. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home and her motto was “The More the Merrier.” She has hosted a New Years Eve party with her signature popcorn balls for more than 70 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Joanne (Doug) Harvey of Anderson, IN; grandchildren, Jenny (Donnie) Sweigart, Steve (Wanda) Jones, Mike (Janet) Jones all of New Castle, Tony (Lisa) Jones of Mustang OK, Theresa Harvey Barber Craig, Richard, Randy, Danny, James, Tim, and Patrick Harvey all of Anderson; thirty great grandchildren; eighteen great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Conley of Muncie and Edna Goldsberry of Brandon, FL; several very special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Fannin; daughter, Wilma Laird; grandson, Christopher Harvey; sisters, Stella Schmidt, Viola and Clona DeHart, and Ona Cox; brothers, Clifford, Oscar, Roy and Ernie DeHart; son-in-law, Max Laird.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 31, 2016 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service of New Castle with Pastor Jeff Jaco officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Breast Cancer Awareness, Henry County Cancer Society. You may express condolences or share a memory of Leora at www.hinsey-brown.com .