Ms. Leshia Veronica Elaine Utsey
(December 7, 1963 - September 2, 2026)
Viewing Location:
Viewing Date & Time:
Funeral Location: Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Boulevard, Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Friday, September 11, 2026 / 10:00 A.M.
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Leshi Utsey. My family has known her since she was a little girl. Her father was our pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church, North SC whom have passed on years ago. I meet her again @ The Brookland Baptist Church and she still had that beautiful smile and warmth spirit. The Goodley family didn’t found out about her passing until after her services was over. I will never forget her sweet spirit. Rest in peace 💜🙏
Leshia was a beautiful and brilliant person with a pure heart. She always met me with a hug and a smile, whenever we would run into one another. My deepest prayers and condolences to her family, many friends and colleagues.
So proud of my friend and classmate Leshia for her work in Public Relations.We would express things often to each other on Facebook. Didn’t get to see her face to face after high school, but I followed her on Facebook. She made her job look so fun. We communicated back and forth about concerts in Columbia I know she loved it, but I know she is going to love her heavenly home now..I will surely miss you. Rest peacefully my friend
Leshia may God welcome you home. We will miss you. So was trusted co-worker and friend.
My condolences My deepest condolences to Leshaia’s family, friends, and everyone who loved her.
Every time our paths crossed, she was always smiling, friendly, and kind. She had a presence that was both respected and appreciated, and she will certainly be missed.
May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest peacefully.
Our Regards to the Utsey Family
The Duncan Family
Bamberg SC
My sincere condolences and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss!! Sending our sincere condolences and prayer wishes to the family of Leshia. May you all find strength during this difficult time.
It was shocking to hear the news of my cousin Leshia. We haven’t spoken in a while but she was so full of laughter and life. Still hard to believe. Pat, I pray that you are holding up well.
May our God bless and comfort the family and friends of Leshia. May you rest in God’s eternal peace.
Condolences to the family of Leshia you are in our prayers,from your Smoaks, South Carolina family members Risher family, Glover family
I am absolutely devastated! From co-workers to being in each other’s weddings, yours is a friendship I will always cherish. I will miss you my dear friend. Rest in heaven.
Leshia were my family member we have not spoken in a very long time but Pat u have my deepest condolences sorry for your loss
Oh Leshia, you will be missed. Your smile lit up every room you graced🙏🏽💜
Aunt Leshia was the best godmother I could ever ask. She always supported my passions, but when I switched from STEM to journalism in college, she became a guiding and much needed influence in navigating the field.
Every step of the way, she made sure I handled myself professionally and with journalistic integrity. She told my mom how proud she was of me doing what I love in Idaho.
I’m glad I got to see her one last time. Rest easy, Aunt Leshia. I love you, and thank you for believing in me.
I am thankful for the blessing of getting to know Leshia as a colleague, a friend and a confidant. She was insightful, trustworthy, gifted and strong in her spiritual relationship with God. Now, my dear friend you have earned your wings with the highest commendation “Well done my good and faithful servant, Come on in and take your rest.”
I am thankful for the blessing of getting to know Leisha as a colleague, a friend and a confidant. She was insightful, trustworthy, gifted and strong in her spiritual relationship with God. Now, my dear friend you have earned your wings with the highest commendation “Well done my good and faithful servant, Come on in and take your rest.”
Leshia, my Facebook friend, whom I saw too little of in person. I fell in love with her spirit, smile and compassionate heart. I will miss you, dear friend! Oh, when the trumpet sounds!
Leshia was my very first boss when I graduated undergrad, and I could not have asked for a more worldly experience. Under her leadership, I learned how to navigate and hone my public relations skills which have laid the foundation for my successful 18 years in public relations. The Leshia Utsey University was NOT for the faint of heart! I lovingly called her Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, because she laid the hammer on us numerous times. But everything I learned while working for the City of Columbia has played a significant part in the professional I am today. She challenged me, while letting me spread my wings.
I last saw her about a year ago when I was attending a city council meeting. As I walked in she yells, “I know you’re not going to walk by me and not speak.” When I walked over she congratulated me on my accomplishments and told me she was proud of me. I scarily asked, “Can I give you a hug?” She laughed and said, “Of course crazy! Don’t be silly!” We hugged and laughed.
Rest well Leshia; I hope you ail no more.
My heartfelt condolences to Leshia’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Leshia was truly a special person and an extraordinary professional. She had a rare gift for taking an idea and turning it into something bigger and better than you ever imagined. During my time on City Council, I could say, “Hey, I want to do this,” and before I knew it, Leshia had taken that idea, added her creativity and talent, and brought it to life in an amazing way.
She was incredibly gifted, one of a kind, and a joy to work with. Her talent and presence will be deeply missed.
I enjoyed working with Leisha while I served on city council. She helped me through press conferences and gave me guidance when I needed it. She will be missed.
Leshia was a wonderful person who did an outstanding job with the City of Columbia for many years. She was a close friend and adviser to me when I was Mayor.