Leona Kirby Plaugh was born July 3, 1950, to Emmie Mae Kirby and Watus C. Kirby, Sr. She went to Heyward Gibbes Elementary and Junior High Schools and attended Eau Claire High School graduating in 1968. She went to The University of South Carolina in Columbia majoring in math and graduated in 1972.

Leona married Joel Allen Plaugh in 1971, and had a son, Allen, who attended
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School through high school, and then graduated from Auburn University.

Leona worked for a year as a teacher at Lower Richland Middle School before taking a job in Sumter as a Community Planner, and then joined the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council. She later took a job working for the City of Columbia as Community Development Assistant, and through years of service advanced to Assistant City Manager followed by a promotion to City Manager.

After leaving her city job post, she successfully ran for a seat on Columbia City Council where she remained until her death from cancer on September 28, 2016. She was a staunch advocate for homeowners in her district and took her election very seriously.

Leona is a long-time member of College Place Methodist Church in North Columbia. She is survived by her loving husband, Joe; son, Allen; and her brother, W.C. Kirby, Jr., of Blair, SC.

Leona was a Partner and Executive Director of The Association of Entertainment Professionals, LLC (AEP), which was an entertainment company that showcased aspiring talent for buyers from every segment of the entertainment industry and she was well-respected by it's membership.

Services will be held at 3 o'clock, Sunday, October 2nd at College Place Methodist Church with The Rev. Mary Johnson and The Rev. Tiffany Knowlin officiating. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to College Place Methodist Church, 4801 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.