Norma Leslie

Norma (Smith) Leslie a resident of Durant, Oklahoma for almost 60 years and devoted servant of Christ passed from this earthly life into the arms of her Savior on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the age of 98 years 2 months and 8 days. She was born in Mountain Park, Oklahoma to Jason Kenton and Leona (Pearson) Smith on Monday, December 6, 1915. Norma Smith married Elijah Clesto Leslie in Sherman, Texas on November 26, 1933.

Norma was a exceptional person who possessed many God given talents that she developed over her lifetime. She was an accomplished Artist who won numerous awards for her beautiful paintings. Norma became an Art Teacher and passed on her passion for the Arts to her students. Norma and her husband enjoyed traveling and had many exciting vacations covering most of the United States, Canada and Mexico. She became a devoted servant of Christ at a young age and spent her life serving him. Norma was committed to her church and through her experiences she developed a deeply spiritual relationship with God, this led her to express her thankfulness though poems and songs devoted to God's love. She was devoted to her family and friends and she considered them a gift from her Lord and Savior.

Mrs. Leslie is survived by her son, Doyle Leslie M.D. of Austin, Texas; daughter, Sharon Leslie Nichols of Bethany, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Cindy Leslie of Houston, Texas, Lisa Derouen and husband Troy of Ulm, Texas, Kevin Leslie and wife Sherri of Leander, Texas, Lance Leslie of Fort Collins, Co, Heather Castillo, of Oakdale, California, Lane Nichols and wife Tracey of Conway, Arkansas; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, Jason and Leona Smith; husband, Elijah Clesto Leslie; granddaughter, Laura Leslie; brothers, Florian Dyne and James Kent Smith.

A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Durant, Oklahoma with Bro. James Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, Oklahoma. Serving as pallbearers will be Norma's grandsons.

Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.

Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.

This obituary was originally published in the Durant Daily Democrat.