Punola Leslie

Punola Jane Leslie was born on July 31, 1933, in Capps, AL to the late Alford James Bishop and the late Esther Hogans Bishop. She was the oldest of 6 children. Her family moved up north when she was a child living in New Jersey and New York. During that time, she gave birth to her daughter. In 1960 she married Karl Leslie, Sr. and 3 sons were born to this union. Punola was employed at Federal Reserve Bank in New York City.

Punola moved to Henry County Alabama in 1976. She was a long-time employee of SouthTrust Bank in Dothan AL, working in the data center. After SouthTrust left Dothan, Punola began her healthcare career, first with Flowers Hospital for many years, then Henry County Nursing Home, and ending at Southeast Health (formerly known as Southeast Alabama Medical Center). She was also involved in the foster grandparent program, working with children and special needs adults. She finally retired from working at the age of 75. She had an in-home collection of movies, and she loved to watch old movies on TV in her spare time.

She enjoyed being a retiree in her home in Headland, AL for many years until her health declined. At this time, she was moved to a nursing home in Florida. Sadly, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 93, Punola passed away in Green Cove Springs, FL at Kindred Hospital North Florida. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her six grandchildren, “Auntie Nola” to her many nieces and nephews, “Mrs. P” to her co-workers and friends, and Sister Leslie at the Kingdom Hall. In 1989 she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained a faithful congregant of the North Congregation in Dothan, AL until her passing. She loved Jehovah God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alford and Esther Bishop, her son (Michael Leslie), and 4 siblings: Willie Pearl Feggins, Elvira Coppin, Virginia Daniels, and Vernon Bishop.

Punola is survived by her three children Dorothea Culver of Headland AL, Karl (Chyrell) Leslie, Jr. of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Ralph Leslie of Headland, AL; her sister Jeanette Johnson of Headland, AL; her six grandchildren Melissa (Richard) Hall, Crystal (Roy) Jenkins, Michael Culver, Daneen (Zymeis) Mendoza, Danyasius Leslie, and Demetrus (Asia) Leslie; ten great-grandchildren and generations of nieces and nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

A Memorial Service for the late Punola Leslie will be Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 pm in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 912 State Ave
Dothan AL 36303.