Leslie Thompson

Leslie Leigh Thompson

1960 – 2025

Leslie Thompson, formerly of Clarkston, GA and Durham, NC and currently Big Canoe, GA, passed away October 22, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack G. Thompson and Barbara Parr Thompson; maternal grandparents, Myrtle and Ron Knox; and paternal grandparents, Doris and Jasper Thompson.

Leslie is survived by her sister, Lori Thompson; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and close friends of over 45 years.

Leslie grew up in Clarkston, GA and attended Shamrock High School in Decatur, GA. While attending high school, Leslie enjoyed being a member of the Shamrock Drill Team and the Washington DC CLOSE-UP Program for academically advanced students. Leslie was also selected for Early Admission at DeKalb Community College where she earned college credit while finishing her high school curricula. After graduating from high school in 1978, Leslie attended Georgia Southern College in Statesboro to study Business and Management.

Leslie worked more than 20 years at Skinner Farlow and Kirwin, formerly known as Skinner Lamm and Highsmith in Raleigh, NC.

In 2018, Leslie was diagnosed with a rare lung disease: Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension. She was told the disease would be terminal without a double lung transplant. On October 5, 2019, Leslie received two new lungs at UNC Chapel Hill hospital in Chapel Hill, NC.

Leslie was an inspiration to all the transplant patients she met during that time, as well as her friends and family who cheered her on from the sidelines. She documented her entire journey through an online blog on Facebook.

In 2023, Leslie was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to her liver and lungs. She was told upfront that the diagnosis was terminal, but she was determined to live as long as possible and stay positive during the process. Again, she was an inspiration to her many friends and family as they followed this new journey.

Leslie was strong, generous and caring. She would help anyone in need. Her biggest loves were her family (immediate and extended), her dog Molly, her “niece dogs” Ellie and Emmie, her many friends (Ruthie, Vicki, Shari, and “second family” the Perkins), traveling, the beach, listening to music, going to concerts, and playing crossword games.

Leslie generously donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital every year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory.