In the early hours of July 29th, the Angels in Heaven began rejoicing as a new member was added to the Heavenly Choir. This angel, Leslie Richardson, was born on Jan. 18. 1968 to James and Robbie Thompson in Washington, D.C.

The Thompson family moved from D.C. to Richmond, Va., shortly after her birth. It was her father's love of music that led Leslie to pursue the craft in high school. As a member of both choirs and bands, Leslie excelled. After high school, Leslie went on to Howard University. With her amazing talent and beautiful soul, Leslie was a big part of campus culture, participating in plays and fashion shows; she was an integral part of the Howard University Choir. It was at Howard that Leslie became a member of D.I.V.A. Inc. (Divine Intelligent Versatile Artists), a society for Women in the Arts. It is here where Leslie was taught many life lessons and made amazing friendships that exist to this day.

Armed with formal classical training from Howard University-College of Fine Arts, Leslie's gift has taken center stage on historic U.S. platforms such as Cleveland's Severance Hall, Harlem's famed Apollo Theater, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. She has also performed in international venues in Tokyo, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, and Barcelona. Leslie also performed in both presidential inaugurations for former President William Clinton. During those events, she shared the stage with such greats as Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Bebe & Cece Winans, Kathleen Battle, and many others. She also performed at the United States Naval Observatory (Vice President's home) for former Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper Gore at several intimate celebrations and holiday affairs during his term. She lent her amazing vocals as a background singer for Al Jarreau and most recently for Meli'sa Morgan, Alyson Williams and Christopher Williams.

Leslie met her husband, Paul, while visiting her parents in Richmond, Va., at a music venue listening to a live band. They hit it off and have been inseparable ever since. When Paul moved back to South Carolina to attend to family matters, Leslie uncharacteristically moved to be with him and they lived happily until she went home to be with the Lord. The day she married Paul, she became a wife, stepmother and grandmother all in an instant. She used to say she was't ready to be called Grandma, but came to cherish her role as 'Grandma Leslie'. Leslie was beloved by all she met and worked with. To put it simply, she was an awesome, loving person with an amazing gift.

Leslie is survived by her loving husband Paul Richardson; two step-daughters, Nancy Young and Elizabeth Lee; two grandsons, Graham and Price Lee; three granddaughters, Kaylee Lee, Indiana and Francis Young; her mother, Robbie Thompson, and sister, Karmen Farina; three nephews, Danny, Fiore, and Anthony Farina, and their wives and children whom she loved as her own.

Lastly, Leslie is survived by all those we consider family. There are too many to list, but among them are close friends and musicians that have become a part of us and her. Leslie lived a great life, evident by the number of friends she considered family and all of those who loved her. She was caring, sweet and thoughtful. She honestly loved people and most of all she loved performing and seeing people happy and dancing!