Leslie Blandford Akins, age 65, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Leslie had a very short battle with lung cancer after being diagnosed five days prior to her passing. Leslie was proud to have survived breast cancer.She was born on March 29, 1953 in Dayton, Ohio to William Orville Blandford and Mary Elizabeth Blandford. Leslie grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois and moved to Dallas, Texas to attend Southern Methodist University, where she graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. After graduation, Leslie worked for Henry S. Miller Companies as Director of Corporate Communications and later founded Blandford-Akins, Inc. In her marketing career, Leslie was recognized in 2001 as Sales & Marketing Associate of the Year, and later became an Honored Life Director with the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas. She was also recognized in 2000 as the Associate of the Year from the Texas Association of Builders. Leslie served on the Board of Directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation from 1996-2002. On May 7, 1983, Leslie married Austin Lee Akins. She helped raise two children, Jessica and Justin. Leslie and Austin enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends.Leslie was an immediate friend to everyone she met. Her hobbies included golfing, swimming, fishing with Austin, and more recently enjoying time with her grandchildren who knew her as LaLa. She was also a huge fan of the Kentucky Derby.She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Austin; daughter, Jessica; son, Justin and his wife Lindsay; grandchildren, Gavin Lane, Gunner Blake, and Avery Parker; sister, Karen Hattan and her husband Dick; niece, Elizabeth Hattan Simoni and her husband Brandon and their children Landon and Skylar; sister-in-law, Beverly Akins Rider and sons James Brian and John Brandon; lifetime best friend Chris Pletcher, her husband Jeff and son Danny. Many friends and business associates will miss Leslies positive outlook on life and gracious spirit.A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the Brooks Family Chapel at North Dallas Funeral Home located at 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas 75234.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation of North Texas. The Make-A-Wish Foundation was very close to Leslies heart.2 Corinthians 5:6-8So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.For questions regarding the service please call 214-306-6700.