Ainsley Delroy Leslie

  • Born: April 15, 1947
  • Died: July 27, 2017
  • Location: Fairburn, Georgia

Southern Cremations & Funerals at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park

1861 Dallas Highway SW
Marietta, GA 30064

tributes@southerncremations.com
Tel. (770) 919-7100

Tribute & Message From The Family


Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend

"All the World's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrance" Ainsley my friend you've entered, played your part and has left the stage. To those of us who knew him knew that he played this stage well with his broad smile, infectious laugh, loving wet kisses and unique sense of humor that took up the central part of this stage. It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today to celebrate the life of my friend. Ainsley's life was taken away from us too soon and it is hard to understand why.

Ainsley Delroy Leslie affectionately called " Ains," seventy years old, was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica on April 15, 1947, to parents Linvial Leslie and Dorine Hines. He grew up with his grandmother in Haddo who he was very fond of. His grandmother migrated to England, leaving him at a tender age which forced him to grow up sooner than was necessary. He taught himself everything from cooking to how to be a man. Even though Ainsley did not have a lot of formal education, he was very articulate and eloquent and had no problems presenting himself in a very professional way. He excelled at everything he touched. After leaving school, he relocated to the Montego Bay area in St. James. He started working at an early age of sixteen years old, by his account and held different positions with various Organizations before joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force in 1972.

In 1987, Ainsley migrated to the United States and worked for a large department store before joining the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. Over the 23 years he spent there he was a source of inspiration to the young men he came in contact with. He was a father figure, a coach, a mentor and a role model to them. Similarly, he gained the respect of his co-workers and peers and was affectionately called "Pops" by many of them. He retired in 2014.

He was a lover of the outdoors. Always trying to find some space where he can plant his tomatoes, okra and herbs. Ainsley was a lover of life and he lived it to the fullest. He was the best father one could ever have. Always gloating about his kids and grandchildren. His God children (Devana Lindo, Justin, Eric & Jaison McIntosh) were very special to him and he was actively involved in their lives. He was always worried about his family, constantly worrying about their well-being and future, even to the end.

Ainsley was also an avid "cruiser" and on one of his many cruises, he met Hortensa "Jean" Dewalt, who he dated for a while and then asked for her hand in marriage. With this Union, he gained two additional children and four grandchildren. A beautifully blended family of six children and nine grandchildren who he was extremely fond of.

They were married in 2007, and where else, but on a ship. Ainsley spent a lot of time with his friends; friends who have become family. There was his annual men's trip to Jamaica where the women could never attend except for Lavonne who was considered one of the guys and was referred to as Ainsley's deodorant. There were the couples cruises, the annual wedding anniversary celebrations, and our various getaway extended weekend trips. All these vacations were non-stop fun and laughter. Ainsley made them extra special.

After their marriage, Ainsley relocated from the Bronx to Yonkers, courtesy of his wife, leaving behind several distraught friends in the Bronx. Upon retirement, he again relocated, this time to Fairburn Georgia with his partner and best friend Jean. He was so loved and missed that one of the couples, Lloyd and Debbie moved to Georgia also to be close to them. Lloyd and Debbie stepped in on behalf of all the friends in the Bronx and did all they could to provide the family with the support they needed during this time.

Ainsley became ill shortly after retiring and was diagnosed with leukemia. . His wife was always by his side and provided every support he needed. Within a short period of being diagnosed, he was hospitalized and Jean was there every step of the way, day by day. His children flew in to help in his care. With his son Mark being so far away, this did not stop him from video calling to see about his father. Ainsley was so happy to know he had his wife and children by him in the latter days. He was able to express how happy that made him feel. He was always a fighter. During his years as a Police Officer in Jamaica he survived two gunshot wounds and bounced right back. During his illness he was always worried about others, always putting others before himself. A good example:
While in the hospital when the Doctors and Nurses come in to provide care, he would first ask about them and how they were doing. This was very important to him. On his good days he would make sure to call his friends just to touch base and see if they were ok.

Ainsley's booming voice, infectious laughter and beaming smile were the first things that you noticed about Ainsley and once you got to know him you could not help but be impressed and captivated by his integrity, honesty, humor, mischievous and genuine ways. He was very caring, giving, responsible and very resourceful. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and a great friend who made anyone that became a part of his world a better person.

There are several of these persons that are now left to mourn his passing and to rejoice and reflect on the legacy of his life of this great man. They include his lovely wife Jean, his adorable children Mark, Lorna (Chris), Sanshika (Lamont) and Lavonne; grandchildren Tia, Demar, Madison, Jianni and Mylaah; step-children Brent (Shevy) and Joan (Keith) and their children Keith-Jordan, Joel, Josh and Jelani, godchildren a host of siblings and numerous friends and co-workers who must now carry on armed with the many memories of the time spent in the company of this extraordinary man.

Walk good Ainsley, we loved you, we love you and you will forever be a part of our journey.

Services

Condolence & Memory Journal

Daddy I'm so empty without you. I miss you and I miss hearing you calling me your big eye daughter. I will carry your memory in my heart. You were my best friend/dad. Sleep in paradise my daddy until we meet again.

Posted by Lavonne Leslie - Bronx, NY - Daughter   August 10, 2017

Candle

My condolences to Jean and the family. I have known you and Ainsley for many years and it was always a pleasure to be around you both. I am sorry, I could not be their with you on such a sad occasion but my prayers are with you all. I will always remember his laugh. "Rest In Peace My Friend" You are in better place than us. Jackie Forrester, Bronx NY

Posted by Jackie Forrester - Bronx, NY - Friend   August 05, 2017

My condolences to Hortensa and the Leslie family. We will always remember that laughter. One more light just went out. We will forever cherish the memories my friend.

Posted by Patrice & Deron Green - Far Rockaway, NY - Friend   August 05, 2017

You will be missed, we shared two beautiful daughters and two beautiful grandchildren and I will forever keep your memory alive. I said my goodbyes to you today and I know your are in a better place. Heaven gained a very jovial angel. Sleep in peace Mr. Leslie and I pray for your lovely wife that she finds comfort in your absence.

Posted by Lorna Gordon - Brampton Canada - Family   August 05, 2017

Ainsley will be sorely missed by every person that had the privilege of meeting him. His smile was infectious and it was something that he rarely failed to do. His charismatic personality and warmth allowed him to help and supported countless young people that desperately needed someone that was genuinely caring in their life. The support and love that he shared with the young men he worked with also extended to those fellow employees that he worked with every day.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.

Posted by Jeff Shapiro - NY - Coworker   August 05, 2017

My condolences goes out to you. I pray that god will grant you peace in this time of loss.

Posted by Icilda Henry - Family   August 02, 2017

My deepest condolences to Hortensa and family. May God continue to be with you.

Posted by Eric Thomas - Bronx, NY - Acquaintance   August 02, 2017

Mr Leslie, though we have never met in person, I feel as though I have known you for as long as I have known your daughter, Lorna. She spoke your name with such love and admiration. This is definitely a hard one for her but rest in peace and I know that you will always be holding her hand. Lorna, my dear friend, may the peace of our Father God be with you and the family during this sad time.

Kimika Peterkin
Mntego Bay, Jamaica

Posted by Kimika Peterkin - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Family Friend   August 02, 2017

My condolences to you and your family. CSanta

Posted by Carmen Santa - Bronx, NY - Friend   August 02, 2017

Sending all my love and prayers.

Posted by Paula Del Rossi - Lowell, MA - Friend   August 02, 2017

Ainsley was a very good man. I enjoyed having him in the training classes I facilitated (he was an excellent participant and clear "learner"). More importantly I always found my discussions with him very valuable in terms of working with kids or just life philosophy in general. He had a positive energy about him that was infectious for people...simply put "a good man".
Frank Delano, former colleague at JBFCS

Posted by Frank Delano - Piermont, NY - Coworker   August 02, 2017

My deepest condolence to Ainsley"s family. I will always remember Ainsley's laughter and his humble demeanor. Sleep in sweet peace.

Posted by Charmaine McDonald - Queens, NY - Friend   August 02, 2017

I didn't know you but I know your daughters and their mother, so I just want to leave this message for them: Lorna, Lorna & Lavonne! This is a great tribute, R.I.P

Posted by Paulette Currie - Mississauga, Canada, CA - Family Friend   August 01, 2017

May God bless you

Posted by Noeleen Schroeter - Bronx, NY - Family Friend   August 01, 2017

Awesome tribute for an awesome man. My condolences to the family

Posted by Diane Williams - Montego Bay - Family Friend   August 01, 2017

What a wonderful tribute for a man we met only once. We wish we could have known him better. Our deepest sympathies to all of his family and dearest friends.

Posted by John and Chris (Sterritt)Plaster - Hampden, MA - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

My condolences goes out to the family mr Leslie was such a happy and jovial person always smiling I met him through his beautiful wife Hortense we use to work together at the children's hospital at Montifore hospital may he sleep in peace he is gone but will never be forgotten. You guys will be in my prayers especially his wife god blessed u all .

Posted by Charmaine Lee - Bronx, NY - Family   July 31, 2017

Love you Ains

Posted by DAWN Schaefer - New York, NY - Friend   July 31, 2017

Sip my deepest sympathy goes out to the Leslie family god knows best I didn't know him but how my friend Lavonne talks about him he was great dad husband grandpa and a great best friend to have stay strong and a bless day

Posted by Karen Lynch - Bronx, NY - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

Condolences to the family and friends of Ainsley. He was a very good human being who made the world a better place. May his soul R.I.P

Posted by Everton Brown - Elkins Park, PA - Friend   July 31, 2017

Candle

Ainsley you will be missed by many , but I know you are now in a better place.
Sleep on my dear Friend until we meet again

Posted by Aretha Johnson - Jamaica, NY - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

My condolences to you and the family in this time of Grief pray the lord will kind and protect u guys in this time. My sincere condolences SIP Mr Leslie ur memories live on.

Posted by Shashana Carter - Yonkers, NY - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

Ainsley - Saying goodbye is heartbreaking. Haley and I will forever remember your laughter, your love for her and your kindness. Rest well, sleep on, may God grant you eternal; your pain is no more.
Love & Miss you Uncle Ainsley

Posted by Erica Rowe and Haley Plummer - Bronx, NY - Friend   July 31, 2017

Ainsley you was such a joy to know and to be around that smile will forever stay with me may you Rest in Paradise

Posted by Tanya Martin - Mount Vernon, NY - Coworker   July 31, 2017

Rest well my friend, you were loved and will be missed.
Mario

Posted by Mario Stewart - Brooklyn, NY - Friend   July 31, 2017

My deepest and sincerest condolences to all his family and friends especially Lavonne hold strong darling your dad is resting well.

Posted by Angella Parkins - Lake worth, FL - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

Didn't know Mr. Leslie at all, but as a dear friend to his daughter Lavonne, I know he was a wonderful man. I feel deeply saddened that he can no longer be here with his family and friends or to see his daughter walk across the stage as she grabs her degree. Although he isn't present, he's guiding his love ones daily. Condolences goes out from me to the family and I will keep all of you guys in my prayers.

Posted by Shatasha Martin - Bronx, NY - Friend   July 31, 2017

S.I.P Leslie

Posted by Jackie Lockhart - Nassa .Bahamas, FL - Family Friend   July 31, 2017

Candle

I will think about you always and chat you to,
you will never be forgotten,
I will forever hold you close in my heart,
until we meet again.
One love my friend,
Patrice

Posted by Patrice Neil - Hawthorne, NY - Friend   July 31, 2017

Family Album

Family Album

Family Album

Family Album

Family Album

Family Album

Family Album

Community Photos

Love you Ains
Ainsley will be sorely missed by every person that had the privilege of meeting him. His smile was infectious and it was something that he rarely failed to do. His charismatic personality and warmth allowed him to help and supported countless young people that desperately needed someone that was genuinely caring in their life. The support and love that he shared with the young men he worked with also extended to those fellow employees that he worked with every day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.
Daddy I'm so empty without you. I miss you and I miss hearing you calling me your big eye daughter. I will carry your memory in my heart. You were my best friend/dad. Sleep in paradise my daddy until we meet again.