A Cake for Leroy
“take one step and God will take two”
Leroy
Fanning 1946-2008
The Story behind "A Cake for Leroy"
“A Cake for Leroy”, is something that I knew I had to do from the beginning. I have loved cooking and baking since I can remember. I would have pajama parties as a child… making menus and cooking for my friends… thinking one day I would have a store or a restaurant when I grew up. Well… 34 years and 2 kids later I never had the chance to do it. Being a single Mom … starting my own business did not seem like an option since I was the only “bread winner”… so I just got enjoyment out of cooking for my friends and family.
One day a customer of mine at my regular job, came into my office and we started to talk. I knew that he had been successful with several different types of businesses and decided to ask him what he thought I could do to start a business… catering… baking or something…
We ended up talking for about an hour… and Leroy told me that if I enjoy it and am passionate about it… “Just do it”, even part time while I was still working… but to start small and at least get my name out there. He said not to be scared and just try it… especially if I love doing it. He said “You would be surprised… just take the first step… take one step and God will take two”… The conversation got me very inspired and I started to think that maybe I could really do this…
Two weeks after this conversation, Leroy passed away of an unexpected heart attack…
Even though I did not know him very well… I knew I needed to honor his spirit and inspiring words in some way… and soon knew exactly how… and “A Cake for Leroy” was born.
Once a month, I will make a cake … birthday, wedding or other special occasion for someone who cannot afford it. I want to do this in honor of Leroy Fanning and how he unknowingly inspired me to follow my passion.
If you are in need… or know someone who is… please send an email with your story and I will select one per month to help someone on their special day.
Leroy Fanning's Obituary from the Columbus Dispatch
FANNING Leroy Fanning, 62, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle went home to be with the Lord on May 25, 2008. Born March 28, 1946, in Atlanta, GA, he moved with his family to Columbus, OH at the age of 10. He was baptized at the age of 12 at Love Zion Baptist Church and was a member of Temple of Faith at his passing. Leroy graduated from Central High School in 1965 and attended Franklin University and Columbus State. Leroy was a lifelong learner who obtained his real estate license was a licensed insurance agent and a travel agent, and often took classes to update his skills. He was successful entrepreneur throughout his life, beginning with a shoeshine bussiness at the age of 12. Leroy owned several diverse and profitable businesses. An avid community leader, he was a family man, devoted to his wife, whom he called "Miss Rhonda," to his mother, whom he called "Mother Dear," to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, god-children, all other relatives, and many others that he took under his wings. The oldest of seven children, he was an inspiration and role model to other siblings. He believed through God all things are possible and had a strong work ethic. He set high goals and worked hard to achieve them. He believed all people should strive to use all of their God-given talents, should never give up, and should always do their best. Leroy gave a helping hand to everyone he could. He had many, many lifelong friends and business associates from diverse cultural backgrounds. Everyone knew and loved Leroy. He never met a stranger. Leroy is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Roy Fanning, and is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Hairston-Fanning; mother, Mary L. Fanning; daughters, Rhonda Renee` and Tequila; sons, Leroy, Jr., Stephon, and Tharon; grandchildren, Marquis`, DaJuan, Caprece, Lawrence, Chyna, Helen, and Jaden; brother, Jerome (Rika) Fanning; sisters, Eunice Foster, Jeroline (Don) Johnson, Shirley (Min. Donell) Muhammad, Carolyn Thurman, and Janice Muhammad; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; special friends and associates. Leroy will be missed greatly.