Leslie Jean Washburn of Sheridan, Arkansas was born November 10, 1953, in Hemet, California, the daughter of the late Donald and Phyllis Hoffman Thomas. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord. Leslie passed away peacefully at UAMS in Little Rock at the age of 71, surrounded by her loving family, and still giving all she had to others as a proud organ donor. She was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and joy to all who knew her.

For 25 years, Leslie served her community here in Sheridan with compassion through her work in the school cafeteria. To the students and staff, she was more than a cafeteria worker, she was a friend, a listener, and a constant source of encouragement. Leslie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived each day with hope, grace, and belief in the goodness of people which she passed on to her kids and grandkids. Her positivity was contagious, her laughter and wittiness unmatched, and her selflessness was admired. She was the one who always showed up for her children, her grandchildren, her friends, and anyone who needed a hand. Leslie found joy in the simplest things: a good cup of coffee (or twenty), a favorite song to dance to, a good book, the beauty of a sunset, a glowing moon, collecting clocks and other trinkets, or just watching the birds go by. She even had a gift for finding joy in life's chores like folding laundry, cooking a family meal, or even washing dishes. Leslie approached life's daily moments with love. She was a very proud and devoted Nana, her face lit up most when she was with her grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in their laughter, their kindness, and the values she passed down.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Donald F Washburn, stepfather, Boyd Thomas, and brothers Larry and Gary Thomas. She is survived by her son, Jarrod Washburn (Rachael): daughters, Ann Washburn and Summer Washburn: brother, David Thomas (Kathy): sister, Ruthann Cutting: 5 grandchildren, Allen (Shelbi), Paisley, Triton, Jensen, and Chastin: 2 great grandchildren, Fletcher and Josie, as well as her best friend Diana,  daughter-in-love Andrea Washburn, boyfriend Doug Shepherd, and a host of nieces nephews and friends.

Celebration of life service will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Grace Church in East End with Pastor Tommy Jones officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Pallbearers are Jarrod Washburn, Allen Washburn, Triton Schamber, Jensen Sorenson, Casey Moon, and Tyler Neal. Honorary Pallbearers are Raymond Sullivan, Skip Cash, Nick Smith, Jeremy Smith, Preston Owens, Ray Owens, and Aaron Owens.

The family would like to thank Aurora for their extraordinary care of Leslie in the organ donation process and requests that plants be sent for the service in honor of Leslie's love for plants.