Leslie was an 18-year old student who had just graduated with honors from West Florence High School 10 days before this accident. She was to begin classes at Francis Marion University in the Fall. Her goal was to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Monday, May 31, 2004 -- Memorial Day -- was the first day Leslie and her boyfriend had off from both work and schoool together in quite some time. It was going to be a special day for them -- spending some time swimming at Lynches River Park. At about 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon, within about one mile of the park, this fatal collision occurred.
We are so proud of the way in which Leslie lived her life, which was too short. We admire her many wonderful qualities. We truly are in awe of her generosity toward others. Leslie found the good in everyone. She brightened their days and made it impossible not to smile around her
-- even when things had them down.
Leslie loved setting goals for herself and we loved listening to all she wanted to accomplish. She looked forward to a career, marriage and a family. It devastates us never to be able to see her enjoy the future she prepared so well for. Within a matter of seconds, Leslie's life was over. She never got the chance to live the productive life she worked so hard to achieve.
We cannot tell you how much joy has been taken from our lives. We don't go a day wihtout thinking about Leslie, without missing her. Our hearts are broken.
We -- her mother, father and brother -- will miss Leslie's company, her smile and her love for the rest of our lives. We are grateful for the 18 wonderful years we had together.
Leslie, you will always be loved and never forgotten.
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