Leisa Whitson McGinnis

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Leisa was the beloved daughter of the late Bettye and Henry Whitson. Though born in Alabama, she moved with her family to Georgia as a child and truly grew up there, laying down roots that would shape her character and values. She attended Henry County High School, where her strong work ethic, creativity, and curiosity about the world first began to flourish.

Leisa devoted many years of her professional life to public service, retiring from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While her official role was as an executive secretary, her contributions extended far beyond a desk. She proudly worked undercover and in photography, including aerial photography—roles that reflected her discretion, sharp eye, and adventurous spirit.

During her battle with brain cancer in 1988, Leisa’s strength and perseverance led to a lasting legacy within the FBI. At that time, there was no formal donated leave policy. Several colleagues and friends advocated on her behalf, working with headquarters to create what later became a formal family and medical leave donation policy. That policy—now common across many organizations—exists in large part because of Leisa’s situation. Even today, countless people continue to benefit from something born out of her resilience and determination.

Leisa was immensely proud of her Georgia home. Despite undergoing brain surgery, she was determined to be home in time for her son’s first day of school—and she was. That quiet determination defined the rest of her life.

Above all else, Leisa was a devoted and deeply loving mother. Her greatest joy was her family, and her love was steady, generous, and unwavering. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, supported, and cared for, always placing others before herself.

Leisa found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved puzzles and word searches, a friendly game of cornhole, and unwinding with the Game Show Network. Music and movies were constant companions. She had a lifelong love of classic muscle cars and never missed the chance to admire one passing by, always commenting with genuine excitement. A true animal lover, she generously supported animal sanctuaries and charitable causes close to her heart. She also cherished traveling—especially spontaneous drives that led to getting lost, discovering new places, and making memories along the way.

Creativity was at the heart of who Leisa was. She was a talented poet and artist with a vivid imagination. She wrote poetry, created beautiful crafts, decorated with care, and even used a jigsaw to make wooden reindeer to sell when her son was young. She was a devoted fan of Peanuts and especially adored Snoopy—whom she loved to draw and whose charm she proudly passed on to her child.

A brain stem cancer survivor, Leisa lived far beyond what doctors ever expected. She never stopped fighting and faced every challenge with courage, grace, and resolve until her final breath.

Leisa was preceded in death by her parents, Bettye and Henry Whitson. She is survived by her loving son, Brandon Glaze; her sister, Judy Wallace; her brother, David Whitson; and extended family and friends who will forever cherish her kindness, strength, and warmth.

Service information will be shared by the family at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leisa’s honor to local animal sanctuaries or zoos, the Alzheimer’s Organization, cancer research centers, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—causes that reflected her compassionate and generous spirit. If you would like to donate flowers or plants for the service, please do vases or pots so they can be taken home.

Leisa’s love, creativity, perseverance, and caring heart will live on in all who were blessed to know her.