Legacy Village of Jacksonville resident Rhonda Faye (Wilkins) Leathers is a woman whose life is stitched together with family, faith, and a whole lot of heart. Born on March 2, 1957, in Florala, Alabama, to Randall and Doris Wilkins, Rhonda’s story took shape down south before settling into the sandy streets of Pensacola, Florida. That’s where she grew up, shared childhood with her younger brother Randy (who arrived nine years after her), and attended every grade from elementary through high school.



After graduating from Pensacola Christian High School in 1975, Rhonda set her sights on business studies at Pensacola Jr. College of Business. It was there, in a classroom full of textbooks and ambition, that she met Mitchell Leathers—the man who would become her partner in life. The two tied the knot on March 18, 1978, at The Faith Temple Assembly of God of Pensacola. Pensacola was home as Mitch finished college, but soon after his graduation in 1979, opportunity knocked in St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Louis became the backdrop for the next 8 ½ years—a city where Rhonda poured her energy and compassion into caring for four-year-olds at three different daycares, and where both of her daughters, Somer and Leann, were born. When Mitch’s company offered him a new position, the family packed up for Decatur, Alabama, where they spent a dozen years. Rhonda found her calling at the Calvary Assembly of God Day Care, while Somer went on to graduate from Hartselle High School.

In 2000, the Leathers family made their final move to Jacksonville, Alabama, following another job opportunity for Mitch. Rhonda continued her work with children, caring for four- and seven-year-olds at The First Methodist Church’s Daycare Program. Later, she embraced a new chapter, working for Sears for nine years until the store closed its doors. Jacksonville became the place where Leann graduated from high school, and where Rhonda and Mitch put down new roots.

Family remains at the heart of Rhonda’s world. She delights in visits back to Pensacola to see loved ones, and her four grandchildren—Addyson, Risden, Bryant, and Anna Leigh—bring her endless joy. When she’s not spending time with family, Rhonda’s creative spirit shines through in her love for arts and crafts, especially the handmade felt Christmas stockings that have become a cherished family tradition.

If you cross paths with Rhonda, you’ll find someone who’s woven together life’s moves and milestones with warmth, creativity, and a deep devotion to the people she loves.