In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 23, 2006 after a long illness , Leona hung up her shield of honor and quietly answered God's call to glory. Leona was born in Baltimore City on March 15, 1920 to the late Theodore and Lucy Mackey. At the age of five Leona R. Mackey knew where her life would lead her, she vowed to marry Leon E. Cheeves Sr. and nothing or nobody would stand in her way. Then out of the blue they moved to St. Mary's County. And after many years later Leona moved back to Baltimore City, where she reunited and married the love of her life, Leon. Together with love, strong will, hard work from all and determination purchased a small farm and moved their family to Anne Arundel County where they would raise and educate their children, offering their assistance with grand children and great grandchildren. This union produced as she said ''fifteen wonderful children''. Out of the many talents that Leona possessed, she was a great cook, and enjoyed feeding large groups of people. She loved convalescent care giving, and later worked with her daughter with the mentally and physically challenged, mom had a passion for taking care of others. Leona will be sorely missed. She leaves to mourn: 3 sons, Bobby H. Cheeves, James T. Cheeves and Donald Terry; 3 daughters, Patricia Kane, Karen L. Phillips and Anna L. Venney; 1 son-in-law, Gregory Phillips; 2 daughters-in-law, Edith Cheeves and Deborah Cheeves; 25 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren.