Janis Sue Leslie
June 26, 1951 ~ June 30, 2025
Born in:
Detroit, Michigan
Resided in:
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailHendersonville- Janis Sue Leslie, 74, of Hendersonville, died Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Elizabeth House. A native of Detroit, MI, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Ilene Logan Jorgensen.
Janis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She raised two beautiful daughters and was “Nina” to her three grandchildren. She taught her daughters many things. Family traditions, especially when it comes to food, were at the top of the list, also that sharing stories & laughter around the dinner table is a great way to make memories. She loved to crochet. Each of her 3 grandkids (& 1 grand dog) have a blanket she made specifically for them. She and her sister laughed & supported each other during their daily morning talks.
Janis always had a drive to motivate growth in others. She taught in the public school system for 40 years (28 of those as a math teacher at West McDowell Junior High). Many students regarded her as a mentor and trusted adult whom they could rely on. A true follower of Christ, she instilled all of her “words of wisdom” to those around her. Her favorite piece of scripture, which she used as a life motto was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Whether they were living in St. Augustine, FL or Fairview, NC she loved all kinds of life. She truly loved all of her many dogs, cats and birds – even the ones she’d visit at the Alligator Farm! She loved being in the yard & garden as much as possible, & every year it bloomed beautifully with irises, daylilies, and hostas.
Using her trust in Christ and abundance of love for others, Janis lived a beautiful life, caring for & lifting up those around her until her passing.
Janis is survived by her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Bob Leslie; two daughters, Eyrin Tenney (Allan) of Fairview and Allison Martin (Zeb) of Asheville; one sister, Susan Blazier of Palm Bay, FL; three grandchildren, Zack, Ava and Apple as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will have a reception at the funeral home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider making a donation in Janis’ memory to MANNA Foodbank.
Services
Celebration of Life: July 19, 2025 11:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Reception: July 19, 2025 12:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Janis Sue Leslie 's name.
Jan told her 7th grade math students that they could not do anything we hadn’t already tried. Our 7th grade class chased off four math teachers. No student could chase Jan away – she was always there for her students.
Jan’s positivity and quick compliments brought out the best in those around her. She helped us to see what she saw in us. She looked for the good and overlooked the flaws. The lives she affected will continue to make a difference. Jan loved my parents. My dad taught us to “leave it better than you found it.” Jan did.
I am pleased to make a donation to Manna Food Bank in Jan’s honor. It is so like her to continue to serve others with her final wish.
I love you Jan!