Elizabeth Lavera Leslie

Elizabeth was born on October 2nd, 1922, at Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Pearl Leverh King Amsey and William Samuel Amsey. Surviving children are Michael Kershaw, Dianna Posthauer and Paulette Leslie-Cleland, two grandchildren, Col. Mike Kershaw and Richard Leslie Davis. She was Preceded in death by her husband Gerald Robert Leslie and a grandson, Kenneth Kershaw. She is also survived by seven grandchildren.

After graduation from Eufala, she came to Galveston, Texas to live with her mother’s sister, Lillian Pearson (Lillian’s maiden name being Maclntosh, explaining the relationship to the Creek tribe. Joe B. Maclntosh, Chief of the Creek tribe, was Elizabeth’s Great Uncle.

Through an arranged marriage of Elizabeth of Seaman Captain Francis Meredith Kershaw was born Michael Francis Kershaw. Following the marriage to Mr. Kershaw, Elizabeth was introduce to a Navy sailor, Gerald Robert Leslie at the Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas and they were married thus leading to the birth of Dianna and Paulette. Elizabeth and Gerald were married for over 55 years.

She enjoyed laughing, dancing, music and singing. She sang in the choir at Taylor Lake Christian Church for over 25 years and performed many solo hymns at the Church. She also was a member of various Church committees at the Church over the years, dedicating her time to the Lord. She was also an expert in sewing, which was her favorite pastime, making clothing for her children as they grew up until the left home.

Elizabeth was born into poverty in Oklahoma, which may explain her love of the movie “Grapes of Wrath”. She was part Creek Indian and was schooled at the Eufala, Oklahoma school for Indian children.

The interment will be at Forest Park East Cemetery on I-45 in South Houston.