Leslie Crafton
November 9, 1955 ~ April 18, 2017
Leslie Crafton
61, Avon, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer in the early morning hours of April 18, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Leslie was born on November 9, 1955 in Louisville, Kentucky to Charles A. and Norma (McClure) Dodson.
Leslie was a graduate of the University of Kentucky, with an Associate Degree. Leslie was one of the founding members of USA Jump Rope and was instrumental in setting up competitions all over including the national championships at Disney in Orlando that were televised on ESPN. Her legacy in the jump rope community will be greatly missed around the world! Leslie also left her mark serving as Executive Director of Girls Inc. in Wayne County. She was always passionate about encouraging girls to be “Strong, Smart and Bold!” Most recently she went on to enjoy a distinguished career working for Avon Community School Corporation at Pine Tree Elementary as an interventionist for many years until her death.
Survivors include her children; Jessica and Bill Nicholson Avon, IN; Meredith Crafton of Seattle, WA; her mother Norma Dodson; sisters Sharon Dodson, Janet Potts; three grandchildren, Hanna Taylor and Bailey as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of her Life will be held Sunday, April 23rd from 1-5pm at her home 1771 Wynnewood Lane, Avon, IN 46123.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Leslie's honor to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (formerly the Breast Cancer Fund), a great organization that works to prevent breast cancer by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation. https://www.bcpp.org/
Final arrangements are being handled by the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Leslie was a force to be reckoned with! One year at jump rope camp, a water fight “broke out” (turns out the adults had been building up ammo for hours). Leslie came bolting around the corner armed with a water gun that should have required a license and NAILED me. I fell into a tree just slow enough to see this amazing “I love you but don’t mess with me” smile on her face. I can’t say I have forgiven her. 😉 Too many fun memories to count. She gave so much and acted as a second mom to so many of us. Much love to all of the family. My heart is with you.
Oh my goodness. Such GREAT memories of the wild water fights at jump rope camp. Love you, Al!
My prayer is that God’s love,, peace and healing will enfold everyone.
As juniors at UK, Sharon and I decided on a summer trip to Quebec. We invited Leslie, a high school junior, to go. Off we went in a VW bug with a 3-man backpack tent. In Bangor ME we used the cook pot handle to dig clams, feeding them cornmeal so they’d poop out the ocean goo. That night we had steamed clams together by the campfire. Leslie was quite the adventuresome sport. Scott Noe (brother-in-law)
I can remember the first time Leslie invited this young punk kid, who was apparently dating her daughter, to her house for dinner. I was nervous to say the least & sure I wasn’t the ideal candidate that her or Terry had in mind for their daughter. From that day forward I held a tremendous amount of respect for her kindness & generosity. She opened up her heart & home to me & our family which laid the framework for a 20 year friendship which I will cherish forever. We often shared many quiet moments together while I did yard work, housework – she kept me busy over the years! It was in these moments – just Leslie & I – that her warmth touched me the most. She was a role model not only to my children but to the greater good overall. Leslie brought two wonderful daughters into this world that are amazing & have carried on her jump rope legacy which has continued to expand. This I believe made her the proudest. You may have lost the battle but your everlasting love & determination will continue to inspire our family forever.
Love & miss you Leslie,
Your one & only son – Bill
My thoughts and prayers our with Terry and Family
I am so very sorry to hear this news. We were friends many years ago. She did a lot of good in her life.
Leslie and I ate lunch together everyday at Pine Tree Elementary School. We shared stories about our grown children and wonderful grandchildren. Leslie was a great cook and would always bring yummy treats to our payday breakfasts. She was always willing to pitch in and help at the school any way she could. The children loved working with her and so did the staff. She will be missed by all those she shared her life with. RIP dear friend.
Kathy Walden
I remember her bringing her jump rope team to the Louisville Division and entertaining us. Everyone was so impressed. She will be missed, but her struggle is over. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.