Leslie Lincoln

Leslie Lincoln, 56, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, went to her heavenly home suddenly and unexpectedly on February 14, 2024. Leslie was born on July 27, 1967, in Simi Valley, California, where she lived for her entire childhood. She graduated in 1985 from Simi Valley High School where she was an active member of the choral department, including its flagship Madrigals group, and the speech and debate team. Very early in her life, Leslie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she remained a devout and committed Christian her entire life.

Following high school, Leslie double majored in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Jimmy Swaggart Bible College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was here that she met the love of her life, Michael, who taught her how to suck the heads of crawfish and converted her into a devoted LSU fan. Leslie married Michael in 1990, and the two would be inseparable from that point forward, modeling a marriage, love, and true partnership that many would both admire and envy. Leslie was blessed with two beloved sons, David and Joshua, who were the lights of her life and who she loved with the fierceness of a mama bear.

As Michael progressed in his career as a youth pastor, Leslie supported his ministry as the family moved from the small town of Kinder, Louisiana, to the big city of Houston, and then to Colorado Springs. In 2008, Leslie and Michael settled in Fairview Heights, Illinois, where they have remained since.

Leslie was a respected and loved teacher for many years and even worked for a while as a high school principal. Eventually, her career pivoted into the area of educational consultation and sales, where she was responsible for training teachers in the most up-to-date technology available in educational settings, a field in which she worked for over 14 years.

Leslie was a gentle and kind soul who did not have a mean bone in her body. She exemplified the true meaning of being a Christian and would help anyone who needed it. She was also a woman with a wicked sense of humor, a definite sense of mischief, and a penchant for having fun and laughing. The world is a little less brilliant without her presence.

Leslie was predeceased by her:

• Father, Edward Gutzmann

She is survived by her:

• Loving husband, Michael Lincoln
• Mother, Paula Gutzmann
• Sons:
  • David Lincoln
  • Joshua Lincoln
• Daughters-in-love:
  • Hannah Lincoln
  • Chelsea Lincoln
• Brother, Eric Gutzmann
• Cherished grandchildren:
  • Michael
  • Reagan

A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held on Friday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Enjoy Church in O’Fallon, Illinois.