Flowers grow and they wither, the sun rises and sets, just as life begins it shall end. Like a seed planted by the river that grows to completion, thus dies that it might live again, so it was with Gloria Jean Leslie also known as “Cheetah”, who was called to rest on Saturday, August 12, 2023. She was born on July 7, 1947, in Huntsville, Alabama, the first child to the late Mr. John W. and Bertha M. Leslie. To this union, two other children were given – Leevon Leslie and A’Renee Heard. Special cousins, Anthony D. Allison, and K. Sandra Douglas are more like siblings.
Gloria Jean was blessed with three beautiful children, Mr. Idris Andre Leslie, Mr. Peyton A. Leslie, and Asanda Michelle Leslie-Rice who loved her unconditionally.
Gloria Jean was baptized at an early age at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend L.F. Lacy and shared her love of God to all who would listen.
Gloria Jean graduated from William Hooper Council High School and was one of the leading majorettes alongside John Farris and Peter Davis in 1965. She was considered a “high stepper” and was admired by all those who witnessed her performances.
Born into a legacy of love, “Cheetah” was a free spirit who always loved and enjoyed life to its fullest. Gloria Jean was a warrior with a princess heart; she didn’t hesitate to protect those she loved. She would tell you about yourself, give as good as she got and then give you the shirt on her back. She was graceful, poised, fearless, bold and kind. Her door was always open, day and night to feed and shelter those who were in need. She shouldered the burden of many.
Gloria Jean was preceded in death by her daughter: Asanda Michelle Leslie-Rice and her grand-daughter, Sharika S. Scruggs, her mother, Mrs. Bertha M. Leslie, her father, Mr. John W. Leslie and grandmother, Mrs. Annie Mae Allison.
Gloria Jean leaves to cherish her loving memories two sons, Andre Leslie (Tiandra), Peyton A. Leslie; one sister, A’Renee Heard, one brother, Leevon Leslie, cousin/sister, Sandra Douglas, cousin/brother, Anthony (Bassie) Allison. Five grandchildren, Jordan and Noah Leslie, LaRandez Quayshawn and LaVonte Deyshawn Rice and nine great-grandchildren, three nieces: Renoka (Larry) Butler, Rashea Heard and Rachell (Christopher) Hixon and one nephew, Robert T. Heard, Jr.; cousins/nephews, Eric A. (Burntine) Allison, Rodrikus (Diane) Douglas and Gregory Douglas (deceased), and her brother in Love Robert Heard Sr, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Reverend Dr. Edward L. Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, and 8:30 until 12:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
