Leslie Stettes

Leslie Stettes, a beloved matriarch and guiding light, left this world on December 14, 2025, at her cherished home in Columbus, Georgia, a place imbued with the warmth of five generations of family memories. Born on August 11, 1946, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Leslie embodied the essence of a quintessential Southern lady, embracing the charm and richness of Southern culture while playfully lamenting the pesky mosquitoes and the bustling Atlanta traffic.

She dedicated her professional life to uplifting and supporting countless business owners as a Revenue Agent, instilling in them a fervent desire for success. Leslie’s commitment was not merely a career; it was an expression of her spirit—a spirit that resonated with all who crossed her path. She truly never met a stranger; her effortless warmth and genuine concern made her a confidante and friend to many, bridging connections across diverse walks of life.

Leslie was a woman of many interests and talents. An avid reader, she immersed herself in the pages of countless books, making frequent trips to the bookstore, eager to feed her insatiable curiosity. She found joy in music, spending years singing in the choir at Morningside, where she would often joke that when she arrived in Heaven, she could be found in the Alto section, adding her voice to the celestial chorus. Christmas was undoubtedly her favorite holiday, a time when she brought her artistic flair to life, adorning every corner of her home with decorations that sparkled with love and cheer.

She was not only a nurturer of dreams but also a passionate traveler. Leslie reveled in exploring new places, yet there was a special comfort that brought her back home—where love and laughter echoed through the halls, and where her heart resided in the company of her family. Leslie’s proudest accomplishment was her family, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of love and connection. She delighted in every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even as their lively energy left her pleasantly worn out. Each gathering, each shared story, painted a picture of the legacy she cherished.

Leslie is survived by her devoted husband, Ken, alongside a constellation of family who carry forward her memory. This includes her daughter Kim and son-in-love, Brian Jones, her grandchildren Michael Jones and his wife, Khadeshia, and daughter, Celeste, along with Jordan Jones and her children Rory, Christopher, and Abigail, and Taylor Benford with her children Declan and Jaxon. She also leaves behind grandsons Michael Engle and Bryan Engle, granddaughter Jennifer Jones, brother, Chuck Bryant with her sister-in-love, Pam and their daughter, Carol, step-daughter, Christie Stettes, step-son Scott Stettes and daughter-in-law Nikki Stettes, and grandsons Kaleb Stettes and his wife Darion, as well as granddaughters Adrianna and Emilea Stettes.

Leslie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Eloise and Wilson Bryant, whose influence undoubtedly shaped the remarkable woman she became.

In the hearts of those who knew her, Leslie Stettes will forever remain an indelible presence, a beacon of compassion, joy, and unyielding love. A visitation to honor her life will take place on December 18, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907.

As friends and family gather to celebrate Leslie's extraordinary journey, they will do so with laughter, warm remembrances, and a profound appreciation for the time shared with such a remarkable soul. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of so many, a testament to a life beautifully lived.