Mr. Leon Samuel Gerald, 77, of Marion, died peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 14, 2008, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Devotion Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Gerald was born in Marion County on June 30, 1930, to the late Reverend Arthur and Mrs. Gertrude Johnson Gerald. He attended the public schools of Marion County and graduated from Marion County Training School. His was a devout Christian family, and he attended Centerville Baptist Church as a youth. After graduating from high school, Mr. Gerald served in the US Marine Corps for two years. His active military service ended in 1953, whereupon he entered Benedict College and earned a BS degree in mathematics and science. He then began a twenty-eight-year career as a mathematics and science teacher in the SC public school system. While employed as a teacher at Mullins High School, he earned an MS in mathematics from SC State University. In 1957, Mr. Gerald married the former Miss Delaware McNeil, and to this thirty-year union five children were born: Mrs. Del Resia Gerald Brand (Terry) of Irmo, Mr. Steven L. Gerald of Atlanta, Mrs. Wanda Gerald Kiah (Michael) of Atlanta, Mrs. Leonora Gerald Brock of Charlotte, and Miss Sheri Gerald of Marion. Two grandchildren also survive: Tiffany Jane Brand of Columbia and Anthony Steven Brock of Charlotte. In February 2008, Mr. Gerald married the former Mrs. Nancy Phillips Paige. With this marriage, he became stepfather to Andre Phillips, Tyrone Paige, and Jerrod Paige. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Nancy P. Gerald; five children; two grandchildren; three stepchildren; sisters Mrs. Martha Shannon of New York, Mrs. Ruth Weeks of Marion, Mrs. Eleanor Ann Davis (Jerome) of Florence, Mrs. Lillian Milford (Carnell) of Marion, Mrs. Pernella Donkor of Marion, Mrs. Rosa Lee Pender of Marion, Mrs. Alexenna Alexis ( Y Von) of New York, Mrs.Theresa Francis of New York; brothers Mr. James Gerald (Barbara) of Fayetteville, Mr. Ata Shabazz (Miniiah) of Winnsboro, McMillian Gerald (Cathy) of New York; and numerous relatives and friends. Published in the Morning News on 6/13/2008. **************Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008. (http://citysbest.aol.com?ncid=aolacg00050000000102)