[Magdalen] RIP Leon Precise

[Marilyn Cepeda]

You all will not know the name of this man who died today. He was a
Methodist youth minister until his hair was turning grey. He then became
Minister of Education. He shepherded generations of young people to
Adulthood during troubled times in Birmingham. I am one of those people.

Leon and his wife Betsy played with us, counseled us, trusted us, and
taught us.
>From them I developed a social conscience, a "bridge over troubled waters"
mentality, and a "why not" attitude. At least two of our number are
preachers
Two or more are counselors, one was also a youth director.

My era was integration, threats of war, poverty and homelessness with few
programs
In place to help. Leon taught caring about justice, peace, love for ones
neighbor,
And ethical decision making.

He was funny, humble, loving, and big hearted. I always felt for his
biological kids because we were all Leon's kids. RIP sweet man.

My prayers for Betsy who has health problems herself, for their two sons,
and the rest of their extended family which numbers far beyond his
understanding.

Marilyn


-- 
Marilyn Cepeda