Ms. Leslie Adele Haywood

A Life Lived by Leslie Haywood Tuesday, November 20, 1956 - Friday, July 10, 2026 Leslie Adele Haywood was born on November 20, 1956, in Washington, D.C., to the late Alonzo and Mildred Haywood. A lifelong Washingtonian, Leslie was known from an early age for her spirited personality, fierce independence, and unwavering determination. At just sixteen years old, she set out to build a better life for herself and, later, for her beloved son. Through faith, perseverance, and hard work, she created a legacy defined by service, compassion, and unconditional love. Leslie proudly served her country as a member of the District of Columbia National Guard with the 115th Combat Support Hospital under the leadership of Colonel Roscoe Young. She completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson and medical training at Fort Sam Houston, where she specialized in establishing combat hospital field units and proudly competed on the U.S. Army track team. Her military service instilled in her a lifelong commitment to teamwork, discipline, and excellence. On October 18, 1976, Leslie began what would become a remarkable 39-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. Starting in the mailroom, she rose through the ranks to become a Management Program Analyst and Team Leader. During her final twelve years, she provided distinguished service to the Office of the President, supporting the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Her exceptional dedication earned numerous awards, commendations, and recognition from the White House, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. State Department, members of Congress, and President Barack Obama himself. Leslie took great pride in serving her country with professionalism, humility, and excellence. Following her retirement in 2015, Leslie devoted herself to serving others through the McKinley Crudup Outreach Center as Assistant Executive Director and volunteer. Alongside her cherished "Bestie," Velma Speight, she helped provide food, cultivated community gardens, became a Certified Beekeeper, and faithfully cared for those in need. She also found great fulfillment serving through the Della B. Green Missionary Society at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she joyfully sang in the One Accord Choir, ministered to others, and faithfully lived out her Christian calling. Above all, Leslie treasured her family. Her greatest joy was her "One and Only" son, Kevin L. Montgomery, Jr., whose accomplishments filled her heart with pride. She welcomed her daughter- in-law, Danielle, as a daughter, and her beloved grandson, Chance Ellington Montgomery, was the light of her life. She never missed an opportunity to encourage, celebrate, and lovingly spoil him. Her greatest hope was to leave a legacy of faith, education, financial wisdom, and love that would bless future generations. Leslie was a devoted sister, aunt, Godmother, mentor, neighbor, and friend. She cherished time spent with family, especially the laughter-filled gatherings hosted by her sister Marjorie and brother-in-law Marshall. Whether investing in stocks, volunteering in her community, singing in the choir, caring for animals, or sharing fellowship with family and friends, Leslie approached every aspect of life with generosity, joy, and an open heart. She truly believed that helping others was one of life's greatest callings. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved son, Kevin L. Montgomery, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Danielle; cherished grandson, Chance Ellington Montgomery; her special love, Mark L. Strand; sister, Marjorie A. McCants (Marshall); brothers, Edward Haywood (Shirley) and Wendell Haywood (Susan); her Goddaughters, Alexia Michelle McCants and Courtney Manuel; Godson, Dominique Bell; special nephew, Corey D. Cumberlander (Nitia); favorite cousin, Keith Glover (Alice); special niece, Valencia Crawford; Kevin's sister, Kendra Curtis, whom she loved as a daughter; her beloved best friend, Velma Speight; dear friends Julia Manuel and Cecilia Dorsey; her Sisters in Christ, Shirley Atchison, Rev. Joyce Flowers, Elizabeth Jordan-Johnson, and Amber Faulkner; her cherished IRS Sisters, Kathy Glover, Sharon Morris, Crystal Magruder, Carol Beal, and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, church family, neighbors, and friends, including Ortho "Pops" Lewis, Fashad Tyler, and Angela Scales. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alonzo and Mildred Haywood, and her sister, Donna Haywood. Leslie's life was a beautiful reflection of faith, service, resilience, and unconditional love. She never missed an opportunity to help someone in need, encourage those around her, or make people laugh. Her kindness, strength, and generous spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy of love will live on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she treasured beyond measure. Family and friends are invited to join together in remembrance of Leslie at a wake on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Allen Chapel AME Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., where we will celebrate Leslie's life, honor her memory, and reflect on the impact she made on those who knew and loved her. Following the service, Leslie will be laid to rest at Washington National Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.

Ms. Leslie Adele Haywood

November 20, 1956 - July 10, 2026