Joan Leslie Wilson

Joan Leslie (Highfill) Wilson, 69, of Kansas City, MO, died Monday, May 1, 2023, at her home at Wexford Place after a short bout with cancer. Her husband Chris was at her side. She was a loving wife and mother, and a friend to everyone she met.

She was born April 20, 1954, in Kansas City, MO. At 6 months old, she was adopted by Clarence and Jo Highfill, who gave her a warm and loving home. 

A graduate of Winnetonka High School, Leslie was a lifelong resident of Kansas City. She followed in her father’s footsteps by going to work for the Post Office, where she worked from 1974 until her retirement in 2008, holding several positions including as a supervisor. 

It was at the post office that she met her husband, Chris Wilson. The couple were married May 14, 1976. They were blessed with three children, Meghan, Justin and Nathan.

Leslie was an avid sports fan, and cheerleader for her family. Whether it was gymnastics, a cheerleading competition, high school basketball and football, college football or even league softball and volleyball, she loved showing up and cheering from the sidelines. She loved going to Royals games and rooting for the team, whether they were winning or losing. Leslie shed a tear when the Royals raised the AL pennant in 2014, and beamed when she got to attend Game 7 of the 2014 World Series. 

Leslie was most genuinely happy when her family and other people she loved were thriving. She was known to so many as “Momma Wilson,” adopting her children’s friends over the years. She followed them long after they graduated, got jobs or had children of their own. When you went to see her, her first question was always about you or someone else, never about herself. An avid scrapbooker, she wanted to capture family moments and memories and preserve family history.

Survivors include her husband Chris, her son Justin and his wife Hanna, and her son Nathan and Sierra Cuda. She was preceded in death by her daughter Meghan, and by her parents. Leslie also leaves behind many friends and family members who loved her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Chicken & Pickle restaurant (top deck), 1761 Burlington Street, Kansas City, MO. There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers or a memorial donation, please come and share your fondest memories of Leslie with us.