Obituary: Carolyn Marie Leonard, November 20, 1943 - July 28, 2024

Carolyn Marie Leonard, a pillar of education, civil rights advocacy, and community service, was born November 20, 1943, at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore. Her life was a testament to the power of knowledge, faith, and dedication to uplifting others and her community.

The eldest child of Kelly Miller Probasco and Grace Ruth (Searcie) Probasco, Carolyn grew up in Portland alongside her siblings Kelley Probasco, Richard Probasco, Robert Probasco and Gwendolyn Martin. Her academic journey began at Abernathy Grade School and continued at Girls Polytechnic High School, where she graduated with honors. She often bragged that throughout her entire elementary and high school career, she only missed a total of three days. She enjoyed roller skating, drawing, sewing and was an avid knitter in her free time.

Carolyn's marriage to Benjamin Leonard blessed her with two daughters, Cherice Marie and Chandra Monique. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Portland State University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business, graduating with honors. She then obtained a Master of Science in Education as well as an Educational Leadership Administrative Certificate all while working full-time. Carolyn’s pursuit of excellence earned her an invitation to a program at Harvard, where she completed a certificate in Leadership.

Carolyn's life was deeply rooted in faith. She accepted Christ at an early age at the House of Prayer for All Nations, founded by her grandfather Bishop Robert Searcie, Sr. Later, she was an active member of First AME Zion Church, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as a trustee, and was involved in the World Home and Overseas Missions and Christian Education departments. In her final years, she found a spiritual home at Allen Temple CME Church under the Rev. Dr. Leroy Haynes. Her unwavering faith was a source of strength throughout her life, especially during health challenges. She often reminded others, including the medical professionals, "God was in control, not them” and told her daughters not to worry because "her soul was anchored in the Lord."

Her professional life was marked by a commitment to education and multicultural understanding. For over 40 years, Carolyn served Portland Public Schools in various capacities including roles as an evaluator, director of student achievement (DOSA), coordinator of multicultural education, administrator, and compliance officer. She taught at every level, including at the graduate level at Portland State University and University of Portland. Her crowning achievements were the development of The Baseline Essays and work co-chairing the committee to rename Union Ave. The baseline essays were a groundbreaking curriculum that preceded current diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This curriculum highlighted the contributions of Africans, African Americans and other cultures across multiple disciplines, and was adopted by many school districts nationwide. Her efforts co-chairing the committee to the present-day Martin Luther King, Jr. were final after three years. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Carolyn partnered with the Urban League to run "Education for Summer Fun," an innovative summer school program combining academics, culture, and career skills. This program provided many high school students with their first job. Later, she helped co-create the "Girls Lead Summer Camp" at the Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women. The leadership camp focused on math, media, leadership, and public speaking.

Carolyn's passion for cultural understanding took her across the globe, including trips to Africa, Europe, Mexico, Canada, South America, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Jamaica. She loved hosting foreign students from other countries. She once shared in an interview, "I have believed for a long time that the under-education of any child on the planet is a loss to me personally. It doesn't matter whether that child is Black, White, rich, poor or whether they are in the United States or in China. Everybody has a purpose on this earth. If we educate all of our children, they will make a better world than we can."

As an internationally recognized scholar in multicultural education and civil rights, Carolyn received numerous accolades throughout the years. These included commendations from Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, the Mary McCleod Bethune/ Carter G Woodson Award for outstanding contributions in the promotion and development of Black Studies, the Cheikh Anta Diop Award for outstanding scholarly achievement in multicultural education, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast Merit Award for contributions and service to the people of Portland. Carolyn was also honored by the Oneness Home Peace Run as an individual who has contributed to peace, understanding and equality, joining esteemed recipients such as Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, and Nelson Mandela. In late 2023, she was awarded the Beatrice Morrow Cannady Advocacy Award from the NAACP Portland Chapter.

Her commitment to community service was evident in her leadership roles with the Metropolitan Human Rights Commission, the Oregon Commission of Black Affairs, and the global organization Initiates of Change. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and served on the executive committee of the National Council for Black Studies. Even after retirement, Carolyn continued to serve her community by creating the African American Health Initiatives (AAMI) to address heart health and hypertension in communities of color.In the early morning on Sunday, July 28, 2024, she passed away peacefully with her daughter Cherice at her side. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly M. and Grace Probasco; her sister Gwendolyn Martin, brothers Kelley M. Probasco and the Rev. Robert N. Probasco, Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Cherice Leonard Izuchuwku and Chandra Leonard Montgomery (Robert); her brother Bishop Richard A. Probasco (Patricia); grandchildren: Lauren Offia (James), Michaela Ezenwaka (Bruno), Nkechi Izuchukwu, Odira Izuchukwu, Adrianna Grace Banta, Antonio Banta (Taylor), Aaron Leonard-Graham and Alexandria Leonard-Graham; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carolyn Marie Leonard's legacy is one of tireless advocacy for education, equality, and understanding. Her life's work embodied her belief in the transformative power of education and importance of cultural understanding. As we celebrate a life well-lived, we hope her life inspires others to be the change they want to see in the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the scholarship fund created in her honor. Scholarship donations can be made by check at any US Bank branch to the following account:

Carolyn M. Trust 
Routing number: 123000220 
Account number: 25366 2086938