North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, November 5, 2025
News Summary
The passing of Leigh Trotter Kreider has left a profound impact on the North Myrtle Beach community. Known for her love of nature and active involvement, Leigh embraced the beauty of the seaside locale while serving as a devoted mother. Her charitable work and passion for golf and community service made her a beloved figure. A memorial service will celebrate her life on November 20, providing an opportunity for family and friends to honor her memory and contributions.
North Myrtle Beach Bids Farewell to a Beloved Resident
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is now a little less bright with the passing of Leigh Trotter Kreider, who left this world peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her departure marks the end of an era for those who knew her, but those who loved her will cherish her memory, and hold dear the countless moments spent together.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on September 24, 1957, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Leigh was the daughter of I. Edward Trotter Jr. and Mary Brame Trotter. Growing up in Lynchburg, she attended the Seven Hills School and later graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in finance. This educational background paved the way for a successful career in the banking industry, where she thrived, especially in the realm of computer programming.
A Bond of Love
In 1981, Leigh found love and companionship when she married her husband, James “Jim” P. Kreider. Together, they celebrated an impressive 44 years of marriage. Leigh is survived by Jim and their two sons: James E. Kreider (Shana) and David R. Kreider (Laura). She also leaves behind two brothers, Isham Edward “Nick” Trotter III (Jennifer) and Mitchell Trotter (Susan). Sadly, her parents had already preceded her in death.
The Joy of Nature and Community Service
After spending years living in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Leigh and Jim settled into a cozy seaside condo in North Myrtle Beach. It was here that Leigh truly embraced her love for nature, becoming involved with the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol during her retirement. She formed a special connection with the local wildlife, often taking peaceful walks with Jim to visit a marsh wildlife preserve. Together, they spent countless afternoons at local golf courses, enjoying both nature and each other’s company.
Leigh was also known for her active involvement in the community. She contributed her time and energy to Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful initiatives, advocating for a cleaner, more beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy. Her commitment to service showcased her belief that everyone could play a part in making their community shine.
A Devoted Mother and Community Figure
As a mother, Leigh was the ultimate role model, dedicating her time to her sons’ academic and athletic pursuits. Whether she was volunteering to chaperone field trips, helping with homework, or taking on the role of “Team Mom” for youth sports teams during their childhood, Leigh was always there, cheering them on. This unwavering support continued as her sons grew older, where she remained involved in their lives and the lives of their spouses.
Honoring Leigh’s Legacy
Though Leigh has departed from this life, her legacy will continue through her family, friends, and the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society, as well as local animal shelters, reflecting her love for both people and animals.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Her Life
A memorial service to honor Leigh is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems, Virginia. Following the service, Leigh will be interred in the family plot in Urbanna, Virginia. As family and friends come together to celebrate her life, they will undoubtedly share stories that reflect her kindness, warmth, and love that will be missed dearly.
Rest in peace, Leigh. Thank you for the love, laughter, and light you brought into the world.
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Additional Resources
- Burroughs Funeral Home: Cynthia Nuckles Evans
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Dignity Memorial: Terry McPhail
- Legacy: Cherly Osborne
- Dignity Memorial: Gary Johnston
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
