Leslee Smith

Leslee Watson Smith, age 66, completed her journey with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) on December 1^st, 2018.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Charity Lutheran Church, 120 Aspen Avenue, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00pm on Thursday, December 6 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm.

Burial will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday December 7 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Leslee was born to Lawrence and Ruth Watson and spent most of her life in Bismarck.

Leslee knew at a young age that she needed the Lord, and she gladly followed Him all her life.

Her passion was music and she was a skilled accompanist.  She played piano and organ in many churches and schools and accompanied many soloists in a variety of programs. She particularly enjoyed working with Janet and Clyde Bauman in that capacity. They often jokingly referred to themselves as “Six Chins for Jesus.” Fun and fellowship were as important as the music.

Leslee’s favorite job was her last, at Simle Middle School, accompanying choirs.  She loved the kids and especially enjoyed working with fellow accompanist, Jeanne Unkenholz and directors Jim McMahon and Al Kary. It is there where she found her true music family.

Often overlooked was Leslee’s talent as a singer.  She had a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice and always sang with a lovely smile, especially when praising her Lord and Savior.

Leslee married her faithful husband, Douglas Smith, on May 17^th, 1975. They were blessed to have three sons: Corey, Bismarck; Peter (Krista), Bismarck; and Charles,  Fargo.  She was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren: Lily, Liam, Mio, and also Marli, whom she is holding in Heaven even now.

In addition to her beloved family, surviving Leslee are her brother, Larry Watson (Susan), Kenosha, Wisconsin; her sister, Ginna Watson, Golden Valley, Minnesota; her dear aunts, Carol Peterson (Bismarck) and Verna Strand (Helena, Montana); her mother-in-law Gloria Smith, Williston; brother and sisters-in-law Yolanda, Sandy, Diana and Craig, many Watson and Smith nieces, nephews, cousins, and her many wonderful, caring friends.

Leslee always made a point of saying that she had a truly blessed life.

P.S.:  I remember you.