Leslie Heskett

Leslie Suzanne McGowen-Heskett passed from this life and stepped into her eternal home on January 20, 2022 at the age of 47.

Leslie was born July 11, 1974 to David and Sara McGowen. Leslie entered this world prematurely, departed prematurely, and lived every day in between on her own terms. Born with numerous significant health issues, Leslie was forced to be an overcomer from day one. Leslie would be characterized her whole life by dedication and strength of will.

After graduating from Cross Plains High School in 1992 Leslie attended CJC and loved her time as a Wrangler Belle and made lifelong friends. After graduating from CJC in 1994 she earned her education degree in 1996 at Howard Payne University. Leslie spent over two decades as an educator, a job she loved.

To say Leslie was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan would be an understatement. She loved football, tv and movies, shopping, and board games.

Leslie married Brian Heskett in 2006 and her greatest lifelong dream came true in December 2012 when she became mother to Emma Heskett.

Leslie is survived by her precious daughter, Emma; her mother, Sara McGowen; sister Allison McGowen and her son, David Ames; brother Matt McGowen and his wife, Sonda and their children, Ava, Addy, Alma and Athan; ex-husband Brian Heskett, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Leslie was preceded in death by her father, David McGowen; maternal grandparents, Robert and Edra Butler; paternal grandparents, Howard and Charleene McGowen.

A celebration of Leslie's life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, January 29 at All is Grace Venue (613 Co Rd 240, Rising Star, TX 76471). The family will have visitation on Friday, January 28 from 6:00 -7:00 PM at Higginbotham Funeral Home Chapel in Cross Plains, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie's honor can be made to Cook Children's Hospital (https://www.cookchildrens.org/giving/) or the Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 144, Cross Plains, Texas 76443 .