Mahala Arline Leonard peacefully slipped away at her residence surrounded by family Saturday, October 19th, 2024. Mahala was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on December 3rd, 1940 to parents, T.J. (Thomas Jefferson) and Kathryn Kessinger Arline. She grew up in Savannah and, as an adult, lived on the Isle of Hope, home to her most cherished memories. She later moved to Augusta in 1970. She attended Armstrong State in Savannah and studied Early Childhood Education. She went on to relish a 35 year career working with children. She retired after 25 years in the Preschool at Episcopal Day School. Children were her profound love and passion. No doubt, she left an indelible watermark on countless, most notably, her grandchildren. Mahala will be forever remembered for her infectious smile, kind and gracious heart, and selfless, nurturing spirit. In the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure at heart, for they shall see God." Mathew 5:8. She lived her final years in the country outside of Jacksonville, FL with family. She savored it's peace, simplicity, and beauty and the companionship of Angel and Deisel (the horses), Penny and Sheldon (the cats), and Larry (the peacock) Her family includes: her brother, Thomas J. Arline, Flagler, FL; her son, Hardy L. Padgett and his wife, Nancy, Jacksonville, FL; her daughter, Kathy Marks (Kevin), Augusta, GA and her children: Derek Marks (Edward), Washington, D.C., Elizabeth LaSure (Drew), Martinez, GA and William (Katherine), Charleston, SC and her granddaughter, Emory Kessinger LaSure; Nancy's children: Justin Schultz, Jacksonville, FL and Joseph Schultz (Sarah) and their children, Everleigh and Anson, St. Augustine, FL. Mahala will be laid to rest beside her parents in Arlington Park Cemetery in Jacksonville on Friday, November 15th at 11:00 a.m. A reception honoring her life will be held in Augusta on Sunday, November 17th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at 3025 Park Avenue. If so desired, memorials can be made to Child Enrichment Inc., Augusta and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.