Mrs. Odessia Lula Mae Byers Leslie, 98, of 250 Falls St. Lawndale, NC went home to be with Jesus on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC. She was born on April 7, 1919 in Clover, SC to the late Ben and Ella Craig Byers. She lived a faithful and loving life with her family in Cleveland County.

Mrs. Leslie was a faithful member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in Cherryville, NC for more than 60 years until her death. Her service at Oak Grove included Sunday School teacher, Buds of Promise Leader and various other positions. She was retired from Beam's Nursing Home where she was employed as a cook for more than 25 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ira Matthew Leslie; two sons-in-law, Johnny and Willie and nine of her siblings.

Left to cherish fond memories of her are twelve children; Marie West of Jamaica, NY, Maggie Smith of Lawndale, NC, Walter A. Leslie (Pat) of Clinton, MD, Ben R. Leslie (Sabrina), Marshall R. Leslie (Pam), Gracie L. Parks (James) all of Lawndale, NC; Ruth M. Fuller (Robert) of Shelby, NC; J. Coleman Leslie (Elois) of Statesville, NC; Odell C. Leslie (Shirley) of Lawndale, Christine Howell (Thamon) of Shelby, Carl E. Leslie (Tammy) of Winston-Salem, NC and Juanita Lattimore (Keith) of Cherryville, NC. She has one sister, Narcissus Lowery of Charlotte, NC; more than 35 grandchildren; more than 10 great-grandchildren; more than five great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Nellie Kirkland officiating. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Fallston. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the church and at other times at the home of her daughter, Ruth Fuller, 2502 Wildwood Dr. in Shelby. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.