Dr. Leslie Ann Toombs

Our sister, Dr. Leslie A. Toombs, passed away September 27th, 2025. This was after a lengthy illness brought on by a severe stroke in 2020. Born December 23rd, 1958, to Ralph and Agnes Toombs, she was the first daughter of the union and dear sister to Robby Toombs (Martha), Laura McCarty (Myles), and Ben Toombs (Leslie). Leslie has 8 living nieces and nephews and 1 deceased nephew. In addition, Leslie has 15 great nieces and nephews.

Leslie never married, she spent much of her life taking care of our parents through extended illnesses that lasted multiple years. However, throughout her life, Leslie was a dear friend to many. In addition, Leslie was a generous benefactor, oftentimes anonymously. Also, one of Leslie's passions was to rescue older dogs, primarily Pekinese. She had many dogs throughout her lifetime. Leslie was a strong Christian and a beloved member of her church

Leslie graduated with a Business degree from Henderson State University and went on to earn her Masters and Doctor of Business Administration degrees from Louisiana Tech University. Leslie's career was devoted to teaching at the university level primarily as a Professor of Management. Leslie held leadership roles in many professional and non-profit organizations. And Leslie received many professional awards.

A highlight of Leslie's career was holding the Pinkie Roden Chair of Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Leslie finished her career as a member of the Board of Directors with the National Exchange Carrier Association.

Thank you to our sister-in-law Leslie Hanks Toombs for her tireless efforts in taking care of Leslie Ann through her illness. And thank you to brother Ben for joining your wife Leslie in those efforts. Thank you to sister Laura for all her efforts from the legal and financial standpoints – and the countless hours you spent on the phone with and looking after her.

A Memorial Service will be held at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home in Gurdon, AR on November 15th, 2025, at 2 pm. Leslie's ashes will be interred with those of her parents in the Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home of Gurdon.

Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice or to Golden Rule Hospice (who lovingly looked after Leslie in her final days) 4080 McGinnis Ferry Road STE 602, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.