Leila Jane Echols Prince, of Lavonia, passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Hartwell Health & Rehabilitation.

Born on December 1, 1935, in Wilkes County, Leila was the daughter of the late Weldon Lee Echols and Irene Lucy Blackmon Echols. She dedicated many years to the textile industry, retiring as a machine operator from the Chickapee Plant. In her retirement, she found joy and fulfillment working as a teacher's assistant at Franklin County Pre-K.

Leila was renowned for her exceptional cooking and sewing skills. She loved her family, and her home was always open to them with food waiting on the table.

In addition to her parents, Leila was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Prince, and her sons, Mike Prince and Jerry Prince.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Diane Prince; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Ray Dowell; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Prince; and her sister and brother-in-law, Sybil and Roger Bell. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jason Prince (Melissa), LeAnn Prince, Daniel Prince (Chasity), Dawson Prince (Kaitlin), Jeremy Prince (Heather), Jennifer Johnson (Bobby), Matthew Dowell, and Jacob Dowell (Joni). Additionally, she will be dearly missed by her best friend, Mildred Roling, and several great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Will Vergara officiating. Following the service, Leila will be laid to rest in Franklin Memorial Gardens – North. Friends and family are invited to visit and pay their respects on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at their respective homes.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.