Leslie Ann Jimmerson

1959 - 2025

Leslie Ann Jimmerson

April 2, 1959 - February 12, 2025

On February 12th, Leslie Ann Jimmerson went home to be with her Lord and Savior after her courageous journey of nearly 3three years with Pancreatic Cancer. The youngest of six children, Leslie was born on April 2, 1959 to Dr. Lonney and Jeanne White of Billings. She graduated from West High in 1977. She then went on to graduate from Carroll College in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in education.

Leslie had a great sense of humor and was a kid at heart. This showed in her passionate teaching style throughout her career. She had a true calling for education and nurturing children, leaving life-shaping impacts on her students for years to come. She took her trusted role in children's lives seriously and this was a labor of love. Her work ethic was unrelenting, setting herself a high bar of devotion to all her students and parents alike. Leslie had a gift for keying in on the students that needed her the most showing them that little bit of extra attention and compassion. Her classroom was filled with love, joy, fun times, and learning a difficult combination she seemed to master with ease. Often, you could hear music coming from her classroom with the kids dancing, and with her as the ringleader. Among her accolades were a Golden Apple award in 2013 and another nomination years later. Her love of children radiated into her role as a grandmother. Nana taught them how to live and love Jesus. Her devotion to children throughout her life as a teacher, mother and grandmother could not be matched.

The kid at heart that she was, Leslie was known for her wild adventures, she was a true amateur stunt woman. She was named Tiny Might by her childhood peers in the neighborhood after many victorious wrestling bouts and often loved to challenge herself physically. She spent much of her youth climbing the rims behind her house. Leslie rarely turned down an adventure, especially if it meant quality time with family, even tagging along on several Mother's Day bear hunts with her son's. She was also a relentless athlete with extreme mental toughness, running multiple marathons and numerous half-marathons. Some of her running friends joked she should write a book on How to Run a Marathon Without Training for a Marathon. Perhaps this fearlessness and drive carried her so well through her diagnosis, but she always would only give credit to her faith in God. Although Leslie and her entire family believe God tapped husband Dennis in as her guardian angel caretaker during her tough journey with cancer. His unwavering support and tender care were a true testament of his undying love and shared faith with Leslie.

Her faith in God was unmatched and helped form the success in all aspects of her life. Many hearts and minds were shaped by Leslie with her constant nurturing, powerful advice, and always being there to listen. She had a gift to see to the best in everyone and her love was so unconditional. In turn, Leslie brought out the best in everyone and inspired so many who met her, especially through her final journey with cancer. Through her strong faith she showed us the beauty of her complete trust in God throughout this battle. The fearlessness, positivity, and grace that resulted instilled a comfort to all those around her. She selflessly was a relentless prayer warrior for others right up until the end of her life. She constantly shared with us so many miracles she witnessed in her day-to-day life and always gave God the credit. Her favorite bible verse was Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Her children would say one of the things she taught them was a love of nature and showed them God's abundant presence in it. She loved all God's creations, especially birds, flowers, and finding the largest unique rocks she could display. They shared many memories in her favorite place in the world, the wild landscapes of Montana, most notably the family cabin on the Stillwater River. She never wanted to leave Montana, a sentiment that all her children still share. She did, however, share that same love for Hawaii. Leslie always dreamed of going there and those dreams came true and then some. She accumulated so many adventures with family and friends there, mostly while laughing a top a boogie board.

Leslie left us a lifetime of inspiration, memories, and unconditional love that we all will draw on to comfort us and guide us through life. Remembering her youthful sense of humor will keep us smiling until we see her again. She selflessly never complained, always kept a positive attitude, taught us how to remain forever young and chose compassion over judgement. Her main concern during her battle with cancer was for the well-being of her loved ones and especially after she was gone. The incredible positive life lessons she taught us are her legacy many of which have been at work for years and they will continue to endure though time. This is a gift she gave us that cannot be erased and will always remain in our hearts. #LiveLikeLeslie.

Leslie is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis Jimmerson; her children, Carson Rauthe (Kristen) Hayden Stribley, Caitlin Jones (Austin), Joe Stribley; her bonus children, Mariah Heitzman (Raleigh), Calvin Jimmerson (Steph), Adam Jimmerson (Sarah); and thirteen grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Barbara White, Lonney H. White Jr, Mary White, Patrick White (Sharon), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Leslies celebration of life will be Saturday, April 12th at 11 a.m. at Big Sky Fellowship, 7610 Roughswan Dr., Helena, MT, with a reception to follow.