Frances Lavern Leslie

Mrs. Frances Laverne Leslie, age 88, peacefully and comfortably passed from life into death on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Perry County Nursing and Rehab Center. A resident there for the last two years of her life, Frances was surrounded by many beautiful people who cared for her deeply and who loved her dearly until the very end.

A Life of Faith and Family:  Frances was born in Lonoke but lived much of her life in Little Rock and Paron, Arkansas, where she and her husband, Karl, raised their family. She was a woman who lived a simple yet remarkably full life, rooted in her unwavering love for the Lord, her family, and her community. Throughout her years in Paron and Ferndale, Frances was an active and beloved community member. Her presence was a constant source of warmth and kindness.

Family Legacy:  Frances was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Karl, and her beloved son, James Michael.Her legacy of love spanning over four generations continues through her surviving family:Sons: Terry Sr. (Teresa) and Gary (Tina).Granddaughter: Leah Zornes (Aaron) and their children, Claire, Kurt, and Wyatt.Grandson: Terry Jr. (Carrie) and their twin sons, Justin (Lana) and Hunter.Grandson: Luke (Autumn) and their son, Leland.

A Lasting Impact:  Mrs. Frances L. Leslie was the matriarch of a growing and vibrant family. From the joy of her grandchildren to the energetic spirit of her great-grandchildren, she took immense pride in seeing her family flourish. Frances will be deeply and sorely missed by all who were blessed with the privilege of knowing her. While her absence leaves a void, her memory will be forever cherished, and the impact she made on the lives of her family and friends will never be forgotten. Her life was a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the strength of faith, and the enduring power of love.

"A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." — Marion C. Garretty

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

“And now the three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1Corinthians 13:13

Services will be held Monday, March 23, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM, followed by funeral service at 2:00 PM. The burial will be held at Spring Valley Cemetery in Ferndale following service.  

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.