Leslie Ann McCracken

Leslie was born on June 28, 1947 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Her father was a career Army officer, so the family moved throughout the United States and overseas. When her father retired from military service, the family settled in Chapel Hill, NC where Leslie graduated from high school and the University of North Carolina. After working as social worker for 5 years, Leslie moved to St. Simons Island, GA where she worked for the Glynn County School System. During the next several years she earned two master degrees (teaching and psychometry), an educational specialist degree (school Psychology) and a doctoral degree (educational leadership) from Georgia Southern University. She achieved national certification as a school psychologist and was selected to participate in Georgia’s Leadership Institute for School Improvement. Leslie worked for the Glynn County School System for 34 years, with her final positions being director of testing and executive director.

As a member of St. Simons Presbyterian Church, Leslie served as an elder, clerk of the session for over a decade, moderator of the Presbytery Woman and coordinator of the Hospitality Ministry Team. She also served as director of the Savannah Presbytery’s School of Laity, the Presbytery Council and the Committee on Ministry. Leslie received numerous accolades throughout her life including: Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women, honoree in the YWCA of Brunswick Tribute to Women Leaders in 2012, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi and Superintendent’s Award of Excellence. Nevertheless, Leslie always felt the greatest honor and privilege she received was being a servant to our Lord.

Leslie was preceded in death by her parents (Reed & Jane McCracken). She is survived by her sister Nancy Jane McCracken and her husband Steve Andersen her niece and nephew: Pamela Sweeney (Bill) and David Andersen (Snow).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or St. Simons Presbyterian Church (ssores.org).