Leslie Erin Hutchinson

Leslie Erin Hutchinson, 50, of Adrian, GA, passed away on September 2, 2021, after a brave battle with a terminal illness. She was born in Dublin, GA on April 3, 1971, attended Lumberton High School, and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in 1989, and from the University of Georgia, where she danced as a member of the Redcoat Marching Band’s Georgettes.

She is preceded in death by maternal grandparents GB and Sarah Cain Avery of Orianna, GA, and her paternal grandparents James L. “Sammy” and Willie Lou “Billie” Sumner Hutchinson of Dublin, GA. Survivors include parents Yvonne Avery Hutchinson of Lumberton, NC, and Larry S. and Karen Proctor Hutchinson of Adrian, GA; sister Kelly Hutchinson Berick (Robert) of Cleveland, OH; brother Kade Bond P. Hutchinson of San Francisco, CA; nephews Joseph and William Berick of Cleveland, OH; aunts and uncles Alla Jo Smith of Orianna, GA, Don and Mary Ann Vessey of Staunton, VA; cousins Glenn A. Smith, Charles H. Smith (Michelle), Jennifer Smith, Dulaney Vessey Zullig (David), and Julia Vessey (Joshua Hebron); and a houseful of loving pets.

During her school years, Leslie danced in Lumberton and Fayetteville, NC. She was a compelling and exciting performer and was larger than life onstage despite always being the smallest member of the cast. Her favorite role was Odette’s solo from Swan Lake which she remembered for the rest of her life. When injuries shortened her performing career, she adjusted to aquatics and therapy work as a way to continue moving pain-free. Throughout her life, she was known for her friendly personality, infectious laugh, beautiful smile, her ability to fit in anywhere she went, and her love for road-trip adventures with dear friends.

Leslie’s life’s work was devoted to helping others. A talented dancer and swimmer, she taught ballet, fitness, and swimming periodically throughout her life. She assisted exceptional patients with water recreation and therapy at Camp ASCCA in Alabama, was a recreational therapist for seniors in Florida, and most recently, was admissions officer and social worker at Dublinair Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Dublin, GA. Leslie had an unwavering commitment to comforting patients and families at Dublinair, even as she battled personal health challenges. She never met a stray animal that she didn’t rescue, and gave a loving home and a second chance at life to pets Pluto, Cooper, Tinkerbell, Mickey, Minnie, Nalla, Tigger, Arielle, Bagheera, Olaf, and Ballou.

A graveside memorial service will take place at Kea’s United Methodist Church at a time to be arranged, and a family visitation will take place in Lumberton, NC at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society in Leslie's honor.

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