Leslie A Vey

-Leslie Ann Vey (née Michael)

From her daughter: On September 27, 2025, our mama, Leslie Ann Vey, went home to be with the Lord after bravely battling the aftermath of a major stroke. In true fashion, she fought hard - against the nurses, against the illness, and even against time itself.

Born in Orlando, Florida on January 9, 1949 to Barbara Ann and William Oliver Michael, mom learned to live life with her own spark. She was beautiful, quirky, strong-willed, and endlessly creative.

From a young age she was drawn to the performing arts- studying classical dance and piano before later lending a rich, Patsy Cline–like voice to church choirs and local Florida bands.

Her greatest gift, however, was in visual art. Whether painting, sketching, sculpting, or decorating, she expressed her truest self through the work of her hands and imagination. Beyond the canvases, she loved collecting antiques, admiring architecture, marveling at the silhouette of palm trees, and planting and tending to roses (which reminded her of her Mimi.) She'd fight you over a hot Hardee's breakfast sandwich, and reveled in southern rock from the likes of ZZ Top and Bob Seger. Most of all- she loved the ocean. Deep-sea fishing was a true passion, something she taught each of her children (and even some of the grandkids) right after walking, talking, and Jesus. Out on the water, she felt closest to God.

She was adventurous - quick to try and share exotic foods, was always up for a good all day (and sometimes across the state) garage sale hunt, and she enjoyed her travels abroad- though she swore afterward "it would never happen again." She was always chasing the little experiences that made life colorful…just like her.

Her faith in Jesus Christ as her savior was steady, and she (successfully) worked hard to pass that faith on to her children. She loved her children and grandchildren so much - and gave each of us pieces of herself that we carry forward.

We will remember her not with polished perfection (except, of course, where her hair, makeup, and clothing were concerned) but with love: her laugh, her favorite songs, the scent of turpentine and rose perfume that seemed to always waft around her, the funny faces she made, her sarcasm, quick wit, and busy, productive hands. The memories she cherished, and the way she sought beauty in the smallest of things. She was unique. She was complicated. But she was ours, and always will be.

She is survived by her daughters, Janet Leslie Michael Stover (Eshbaugh) and husband Chris, Amanda Blanche Miller (Vey) and husband Preston, and Lisa Ann Robinson (Wright); by her grandchildren: Dylan McGee, Peyton Vey, Emma Fishman, Marcus Robinson, Colby Robinson, Pamela Robinson, Nikki Miller, Brandon Miller, and Addison Miller; and by five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mike, her daughter Pam, and her grandson Charlie.

Be free and at peace, Mama. We will see you again, someday.