Thelma Leslie

Thelma Leslie, age 97 of Concord, was born in Warrior, Alabama on 11/20/1919. She died peacefully at home on 01/17/2017 surrounded by loving family. Mother was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ethel Whisonant, her husband, Virgil Leslie, brothers Norman, Carl, Van, Donnie, Tom, James and Ray Whisonant, sisters Maxine Blackburn and Dolly Henson, as well as grandson, Kenneth Leslie. In her earlier years she returned to school, became licensed and worked as an LPN at University Hospital, Hueytown Nursing Home and later Self Nursing Home. She was a woman of many talents, not the least of which was that of an accomplished self-taught seamstress. With a servant’s heart she had an uncanny knack for finding those in need, especially of food and clothing, which she loved to provide. In addition to being a nurse and seamstress, she was a carpenter’s helper, painter, wallpaper hanger, furniture upholsterer, drapery maker, needlework designer, quilt maker, artist, and interior decorator. Always up for a challenge there wasn’t much she couldn’t fix, remake or mend. She is survived by her sons, Jack and Jimmy Leslie of Hueytown and daughter, Jane Alexander (Jim) of Concord. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Marty Leslie (Stacy) of Chelsea, Hollyn Davis (Shawn) and Leslie McDonald (Jake) both of Hueytown, April Howard (Jeremy) of Sterrett, Holli Alexander of Montgomery, Ohio, and Beth Culwell (Garland) of Denver, Colorado, thirteen great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Joan Trotter (Jimmie) of Hayden, AL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Mother was a member of Concord Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff of The Orchard at The Oaks on Parkwood where Mother resided for three years prior to returning home to spend her remaining days with family. Thank you also to Hospice Services of Alabama for their excellent and diligent care, especially Fannie Boswell, RN and Molecca Banks, CNA. Heartfelt gratitude goes to Julia Jackson and Angel Johnson for their help in caring for Mother these last few weeks. Celebration of Life Memorial was held January 24, 2017 at Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill- Chapel. Great-grandson Pastor Caleb Chambers officiated. In lieu of flowers it is requested donations be made in her honor to (a local ministry to the homeless of Birmingham), “The Just People Project,” at 3235 Edenburg Drive, Hueytown, Alabama 35023.

Thelma Leslie

January 17, 1920 - January 17, 2017