Wilma Hodges Leslie

Wilma Ellen Hodges Leslie, 80, of Winfield, was tragically taken from her loved ones in an automobile accident on the 4th of July, 2009. Born January 24, 1929 in Hurricane WV, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Marguerite Erwin Hodges. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Lyle Hodges, Reba Sutlovich, Oma Bowen, Lillian Hodges and Jerrel L. Hodges. Wilma married Jacob Fredrick Leslie, on September 21, 1947 and shared 45 years together until his death in 1993. She was also preceded in death by her sons: John Frederick and Michael Joseph Leslie. Wilma and J. Fred raised 9 children and are survived by: Marilyn L. Christiani and husband Frank of Scottsdale, AZ, daughter in law, Beverly Leslie of Hurricane, WV, Charlotte Leslie of Charleston, WV, William E. and his wife Tina, C.S. "Butch" Leslie and his wife Janet, Robert "Bob" W. Leslie and his wife Laura, all of Winfield, WV, Anita Yeager and her husband Glen of Scott Depot, WV, Debra L. Chapman and her husband John W. III, of Hurricane, WV and daughter in law, Sandra S. Leslie of Winfield. Wilma had 26 grandchildren: Marilyn and Frank's children; Linda Levy, Cynthia Allen, Jeff Christiani, and Sali-jane Frado; John and Beverly's children: Brad, Cam, and Billy Leslie, Laura McCullough and Kathy Lilly; Charlotte and Larry Parson's children: Christie Simpson, Stephanie Eagle, and Larry Leslie; Bill and Sandy's children: Brian and Mike Leslie; Butch and Janet's child: J.F. Leslie II; Bob and Laura's children: Andrea Burch and Josh Leslie; Anita and Glen's children: Glenn II, Dr. Anita Yeager Smith, and Elizabeth Yeager Cross; Debbie and John's children: Jennifer Chapman Garrigan, John "Jay" W. IV, Jake, Ty, Jered, and Justin Chapman; 42 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States. As well as her brothers: Stephen Hodges Jr., of Scott Depot, Dorsel Hodges, and her sister, Wanda Gibson both of Hurricane. Along with her husband Fred, they started Leslie Lumber Company and the housing development industry in Putnam County in the early 1960's. Shawnee Estates, Riverdale Estates, Woodland Forest, Teays Village, and Woods and Irons were developed prior to their retirement. Wilma was a faithful member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. She was also a Past Worthy Matron and a Charter member of the Buffalo Chapter No 150, Order of the Eastern Star, a dedicated member of the Putnam Co. Republican Committee for many years, a charter member of the Womens Club, a former board member of Shawnee Hills Mental Health Center and was instrumental in the movement of education for mentally disabled children in Putnam County. Most of all, she was devoted to her children and family, especially her youngest son, Joe. She had a unique capacity for making each child or grandchild, sibling, niece, or nephew feel special and loved. She will be missed beyond measure. Funeral services will be 11:00am Wednesday July 8, 2009 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Johnson officiating and Rev. Keith Creasy assisting. Mrs. Leslie will lie in state an hour prior to the service also. Burial will follow in Winfield Cemetery in Winfield, WV. Friends may visit on Tuesday July 7, from 6:00 until 9:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home. There will be an Eastern Star Service at 8:30pm on Tuesday. You may make donations to: The Michael Joseph Leslie Scholarship Fund c/o Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation 1600 Huntington Square 900 Lee Street East Charleston, WV 25301 or Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund 2150 Mt. Vernon Road Hurricane WV 25526. Anyone wishing to leave an online memorial or condolence may do so at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home, 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane WV is in charge of arrangements.

Wilma Hodges Leslie

January 24, 1929 - July 4, 2009