Leila Pancoast

(From Parker Mortuary)

Leila Isabel Pancoast, age 92, Joplin, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from a local nursing center.

Leila was born July 8, 1930 in Los Angeles, California, daughter of the late Charles Lee Pancoast, Sr. and Isabel (Gilruth) Pancoast. She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Franklin High School in Los Angeles. 

As a young adult, Leila started in ministry participating in two evangelistic teams, sharing her love of the Lord and playing the piano. She attended Southern Bible College in Houston, Texas and was a co-PYPA Director (youth program) of the State of Colorado for the Pentecostal Church of God (PCG). 

Other places of ministry included Montana, California, and finally Joplin, Missouri where she worked in the Pentecostal Church of God headquarters and then Messenger Towers until her retirement. 

Leila was an accomplished musician and enjoyed a great music ministry. She was active with the nursing home ministry, playing the piano for the residents in Joplin, Carl Junction, and Carthage for years. She was dedicated to serving her Lord and will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Leila was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Lee “Bud” Pancoast, Jr.

Surviving family include sister-in-law Marcella Pancoast; two nieces: Charlene Melton (Les) and Loyce Lewis (Doug); four great-nephews: Scott Melton, Craig Melton, twins Dustin (Whitney) and Derek (Alyssa) Lewis, and great-niece Rosalie Hinman (Aaron); two great-great-nephews: Levi and Milo Lewis (Dustin), two great-great-nieces: Gracelynn and Eden Lewis (Derek). Also left to cherish her memory are dear friends Phyllis and Paul Sloan and many others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Joplin Family Worship Center with Pastor Daniel H. Wermuth, II and Pastor Boyd Crook officiating.

Private interment has been held by family in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.