Doris Marie Leslie

Doris Marie Passantino Leslie was born in Thibodaux, LA on November 21, 1924, and passed away at Holly Hall Retirement Community in Houston, TX on November 16, 2024, at the age of 99, just 5 days short of her 100th birthday.

She is predeceased by her parents, Paul Passantino and Ouida Marie Landry; her husband, Joseph Rexford Leslie; her youngest sister, Ouida Burson Cox; and nephew, Paul Nelson.

She is survived by her daughter, Diann Leslie Lewter and husband, Michael Edward Lewter, Sr.; grandson, Michael Jr. and wife, Karen; great grandchildren, Kaitlin Lee Lewter, and Michael Howard Leslie Lewter, all of the Houston area. She is also survived by her sister, Catherine Nelson; and nephews, George and Michael Nelson (Cindy), Patti Fountain and Steve Burson.

Her father was employed by Texas and Pacific Motor Transport, so the family moved around Louisiana, finally settling in Shreveport, LA when Doris was in high school. It was at Fair Park High School she met Joseph Rexford Leslie, a tall trombone player in the ROTC Band. He joined the Army Air Forces after graduation from Fair Park, and Doris went to business school. When Joe returned from serving in WWII, they were married on January 25, 1945, and remained together for 69 years until his passing in 2015. They lived in Shreveport until 2004 when they moved to Houston to be closer to family.

Doris began her career as a clerk in the Registrar of Voters Office for Caddo Parish, where she retired as Chief Deputy. She was known around the courthouse as efficient and always impeccably dressed in the latest fashions. Though small in stature, she could hold her own with anyone. She made many friends there, especially in the Sheriff’s office.

After retirement Joe and Doris served as volunteers at Highland Hospital in Shreveport and as volunteer coordinators for Senior Friends of Shreveport. They enjoyed planning trips around the state and regular group lunches around Shreveport where many friends were made.

In 2014 due to Joe’s health issues, they moved to Holly Hall Retirement Community, and it became a second home to them. Doris was a regular bingo player and enjoyed outings with her Cluster and Independent Living friends. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Holly Hall for all the care and comfort they provided Doris and family during her stay and in her final days, especially the Assisted Living nursing staff led by Dana Short. And to the dining, beauty shoppe, maintenance and housekeeping staff, who never failed to attend to Doris’ needs.

A private family burial will be held at Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport on November 21, 2024. For those wishing to contribute in honor of her memory, the family suggests Holly Hall Retirement Community - Silver Tea (Resident Subsidy Fund) at 2000 Holly Hall, Houston, TX 77054 or hollyhall.org/giving, Camp For All at 3701 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098 or campforall.org, or the charity of your choice.