Obituary of Leola Hargrove

Leola “Lee Wanda” Hargrove was born February 7, 1960 in Selma, Alabama. She attended Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, where she grew up. Born into a large family, she was one of twelve children, which consisted of 7 girls and 5 boys. Her career journey afforded her opportunities such as becoming a home health aide and later, a nursing aide at the Paterson St. Joseph’s hospital. In the early 1980’s, she met and fell in love with the man who would become her husband and share nearly 40 years of her life with. As a youth, she had dreams of becoming a professional singer. This will come as no surprise to anyone who had the opportunity to hear her beautiful voice. She never needed a reason to sing. She also enjoyed writing poetry and you would never find her without her face (which was already pretty) made up and photo ready. She was a creative, caring and compassionate woman. Leola’s smile could light up any room and her laughter and silly nature was contagious. She was such a fun-loving person, who cared deeply for her family and was great with children. Despite the fast-paced world and understanding how busy we can all become, she made it a point to keep the lines of communication open and to maintain a connection with her family. She found what she believed to be her calling in life, after being saved and later joining the New Birth Baptist Church, in Paterson, New Jersey where the current pastor is Rev. Compton. There, she served as a Missionary and was lovingly known as “Mother Hargrove”. She truly loved and was loved by her church family. She was glad about being a servant in God’s house. No matter where she was, Leola was not ashamed to spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ or to share her own dynamic testimony. On June 8, 2020, Leola was called home, but the sweet melody of her life plays on. Leola was preceded in death by her parents: James Robert Alston and Christine Alston, sisters: Susie Ann Wise, Julia Faye Morrison, Billie Joyce Morrison, Linda Jenkins, and Christine Workhoven, along with her parent in-laws Calvin and Shirley Hargrove. Left to honor her life and legacy are her husband, Marvin Hargrove, daughter: Mia Daughety (David Daughety), eight grandchildren: Christopher Alston, Aleyshia Castaneda, Raul Castaneda Jr., Shawn Davis, Daisja Daughety, David Daughety, King David Daughety and Benjamin Daughety; one great-grandson, Jayden Alston; and God-son, Omar. She leaves two sisters: Patricia McNeil, and Susie Ann Morrison both of Paterson, NJ; five brothers: Jerry Morrison (Malette) of N.C., James Robert Alston, Jr. (Juanita) of S.C., Harold Alston, VA; Darren Alston (Judy) MA; and William Alston (Cassie) VA; sister-in-laws: Susan Hargrove, FL; Jacqueline Hargrove, NC and brother-in-law, Anthony Hargrove, NC; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends, including her longtime friend, Kelly Broomes and Audrey Mc Duffie. The family wishes to thank the many people who cared for and supported Leola during her most challenging moments. Among them are all of her amazing caregivers, including (but not limited to) Ms. Blondie, Suzette Hargrove, Ms. Annette, and Danielle Capers (who Leola unofficially adopted as another daughter). A special ‘thank you’ to Pastor Gregory and Lady Lourdes Capers for always being an encouraging presence in her life.