Leslie's spirit and work will live on through all of us who had the great pleasure of knowing, respecting, and loving her fighting spirit. She never missed a chance to bring up a good opportunity, offer encouragement, or ask a wonderful question in an effort to make the world a better place for children. 

Leslie, you are the best kind of hero and our world is better because of you. Rest in Peace, Lovely Woman 

Leslie first hired me in 1989, and gave me the confidence to continue as a therapist.  She told me "you know more than you think you know", and she was right.  She was a trusted friend for over 30 years.  I will keep her in my heart forever. 

My family and I have known Ms. Leslie for over 20 years. Her life touched each one of the Daniels 4H alumni over the years. They each have their own story with her. My fondest memory of Ms. Leslie is our 4H Exchange trip to Montana in 2019. Before we left, she informed me that this trip would be a time when she mentored me in all things Exchange club. Well, it was a great trip full of adventure and fun, however she showed me many things. A couple things I remember most, for Ms. Leslie it was always about the "Youth," where we ate, to the places we visited etc. It was never about her per say. Secondly, when incidences arose she didn't handled them with her emotions, it was always grace and wisdom. It made for a wonderful trip. Ms. Leslie will definitely be missed, but her legacy lives on in each of us. Rest well from your labors, Ms. Leslie rest well!
God Bless the family and friends with strength and peace.



Leslie has been an incredible mentor and inspiration to me just as she has for so many people within the mental health field. She dedicated so much of her life to supporting others and I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to know her and learn from her. She was a wealth of knowledge and had a way of being direct and comforting all at once. I will always carry her in my heart and pray for her guidance through this passionate work that she has helped shape me for.🤍

Leslie was an amazing person with such a wonderful heart and spirit! She hired me at my first job in child welfare and continued to be a mentor and inspiration to me. She was always so kind, thoughtful and giving. It was  in her nature to care so much for others. Praying for peace and healing for her family during this time. May God comfort you and hold you close. 

Leslie was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend.  As a qualified supervisor, she was instrumental in guiding me and supporting me to become a licensed clinical social  worker.   She was certainly a very skilled practitioner, but what I remember most was her kindness and compassion.   I am thinking of her family members at this sad time and hoping that they will find comfort in sweet memories of Leslie.

I first met Leslie in 1996 as a social work student from FSU looking to do an internship in Jacksonville. Through the years, she became my teacher, mentor, clinical supervisor, boss, and friend. She was a true social work pioneer in our community. She was involved in countless initiatives for children and families and was instrumental in training the next generation of social workers. She shared her passion, knowledge, and time freely. She believed in me and supported me and I hope she knew how much she meant to me. <3

Leslie was an outstanding person and made a positive impact on the lives of children. She was dedicated to 4-H. Many may not know but would not be surprised to find out that she was an inaugural member of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. Her light will carry on in the hearts of all of the youth she was able to impact throughout her life of service.

Leslie was the most selfless person I have ever known.   She did everything for others.   She was also always up for a new experience and lots of fun.   She and I made many trips together and had a ball.   I will miss her terribly. 
  Now you can finally rest, my dear friend. 

What a huge loss for Jacksonville's children and everyone else she touched! I was a child care center director from 2000-2013. I looked forward to Leslie's weekly visits so much! We had a few children that were  challenging and Leslie would come in to help us. She always brought a listening ear, energy,  motivation, and genuine empathy for the children and teachers. She was a Godsend to us. I will never forget her kindness and care. 

I met Leslie many years ago as a member of St Marks.  She was always a caring and loving person.  I know that she is ringing the bells with the angels.  She will be greatly missed.  

Prayers to Andrew and family!  
Peace,

Stacey Pierce
  

I knew Leslie when my children started 
4-H over 25 years ago but I became good friends with Leslie when I became the 
4-H Foundation Manager. We worked alongside of each other while she was the Chairman of the Foundation and after. Duval 4- H has lost a wonderful champion for our youth and she will be sorely missed. She loved the kids and the 4-H program and worked tirelessly for them. She was such an encourager and generous with all she had. I will miss her!

Leslie played handbells at St. Mark's since sometime in the 80s. When her son Chris died, she took his position.  She loved playing handbells and attending the handbell weekend workshop at Lutheridge in Arden, NC.

We will all miss her terribly.

Tony Cruz
Cantor
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church


Leslie oversaw the program while I was getting my MSW around 1997.  After graduation she kept in touch, encouraged me towards licensure and was an overall mentor.  I know she must have done this for 100's of us.   I'm so happy that so many of us will go on with a little piece of her in our hearts.  

My children as teens were privileged to be in her 4H travel club and saw Montana and Indiana with her. She loved broadening their horizons and sharing life experiences! What a wonderful lady! May her family be held in God’s perfect peace. 

Ms. Leslie, a beautiful spirit with such a huge heart. I’m glad I have so many fond memories of our exchange adventures. From New Hampshire to Indiana and the places in between, THANK YOU. The 4-H exchange program was a blast because of you. 

Leslie was an absolute rock star! I have very fond memories of her… She will be missed.❤️
My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones.

Elle Marriott,
Daniel Kids


Leslie was 2nd person I met at St. Mark's. Her energy and care given to those in need was always present. Many memories of projects we worked together on for social ministry. Rest now Leslie and Thank you. Dianne Marcotte

     I met Leslie when I was just 13 years old at 4-H Legislature.  I have many wonderful memories with Leslie. 
    My last memories were with her at the 40th Anniversary of Legislature. I sat next to her on the house floor and we debated several bills. We had lots of laughs as we stumbled through our roles.  



Thank you Leslie for the many children and adults lives you made better thru the 4-H program. You were a great part of the Duval County Chapter and we all knew who to call that knew everything. R. I. P. Our friend
Prayers for comfort for you family 🙏
Mike and Becky Hanson

Leslie was such an amazing supporter of Florida 4-H and the Florida 4-H Legislature program. She created a legacy for Chris and so enjoyed seeing and hearing from the Chris Allen award winners. She was also a caring friend and a joy to know

Always a gentle soul, with a smile and an encouragement for others, even in the grocery store, speaking kindly to others, Leslie was the kind of human being that we all could emulate, but never fully copy. Sending hugs to those still grieving the loss of this lovely lady.

OBITUARY

Leslie Jean Allen

10 October, 1943 – 24 December, 2021

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel

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