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We regret to announce that beloved author L.A. Banks (aka Leslie Esdaile) lost her battle with late-stage adrenal cancer on August 2.
Over the last few months the book community banned together raising money to help the author with mounting medical bills. (Ironically in March 2010 she spoke at a healthcare reform rally in Glenside, Penn., where she was selected to introduce President Obama but not before telling her story as a single mom with a daughter in college who was faced with the dilemma of choosing between insuring her daughter or herself. See her speech here.)
This amazing author and dear friend of RT will be sorely missed. Esdaile was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who penned over 40 novels. RT Publisher and Internet Director Carol Stacy says, ”Leslie was one of those rare individuals who made an instant connection as soon as she met you. She loved her family and friends deeply and she loved her legions of fans, each and every one. The book industry will forever be a bit dimmer without her incomparable talent, her love of and dedication to the craft of writing but, more importantly, the world has lost a caring, loving, beautiful human being who made the world a better place."
We will keep you posted as to where you can send your condolences to the family.
BLOG UPDATE 8/3/2011: We have just learned that a memorial service for Leslie will be held the morning of Saturday, August 13, at in Philadelphia, PA. The address and time are listed below. At Leslie's request, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the United Negro College Fund in her memory.
The Leslie Esdaile Memorial Service
When: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 13, 2011
Where: Holy Apostles and The Mediator Episcopal Church
206 South 51st St.
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 472-3000
L.A. Banks
Submitted by Leslie Frohberg (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 9:42pm.
Since the first time I picked up "Minion" I have been a smitten fan. Her books are off the chain. I waited impatiently for each of the books in the series to come out. Then one day while on vacation in the Poconos we found out she was going to do a book signing at Borders. After that I purchased all of her books in every genre. My daughter and I got up early and hustled down to the store. We ended up staying with her thru the whole time. It was like I found my long lost sister. We talked and laughed and bonded that day. She became my Sistah-friend and I've attended many functions for her since, I became part of her street team as well. That is a fabulous group of people who support all of her endeavors. Leslie's spirituality, love for her family, friends and fans was so expansive just being in her presence made you feel wonderful. She has a powerful light which I had the pleasure to bask in. I know she'll continue to share her light with us from up above.
Leslie- LA Banks
Submitted by Red Rose Publishing (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 9:00pm.
Not only was Leslie a great friend as well as an author at Red Rose Publishing. Not only her outlook on life but the things she went thru in life made her one hell of a person.
"To you, Leslie, I am proud to have known you and considered you a good friend."
May this new path in life that you are on be one full of those great BBQs.
She is greatly missed and will be for a long time.
Wendi
Her Light will forever shine
Submitted by Kimberly K Terry (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 7:07pm.
It was a pleasure and an honor, to know Leslie and to not only call her friend, but also my "big sister" as she dubbed herself to me. I happily became her "little sister". Leslie was the rare individual whose outer beauty was matched by her inner beauty. Funny, gorgeous and wickedly talented, if I didn't love and admire her amazing literary skill so very much it would I could have really disliked her!
When I needed someone to rant to about some injustice or perceived injustice, or celebrate a life victory with, Leslie was a phone call or text away. She was and always will be, my beloved big sis and personal hero. I will forever miss her.
Kimberly Kaye Terry
I am devastated
Submitted by RosieC (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 4:30pm.
R.I.P and my condolences go out to her family. I absolutely LOVED the Vampire huntress series. It's time they make that into a big budget movie so the proceeds can go towards a foundation in her name.
Benefit for Leslie's Family
Submitted by Don Lafferty (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 4:04pm.
This is a wonderful tribute to an amazing, larger-than-life woman who we'll all miss terribly.
If you're in the Philly area this coming Saturday, August 6th, please join friends and family to remember our dear sister as we do what little we can to help Lesslie's family bear the expenses of her medical bills and other obligations.
http://liarsclubphilly.com/?page_id=1947
A huge force of light gone from this world
Submitted by Vivi Anna (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 3:55pm.
I remember one of the last times I'd seen Leslie. Was in Pittisburg at RT. Me, Leslie, and Kimberly Kaye Terry were ruckusing up in her hotel room. It was a highlight of the conference and a moment I will never forget. Living and laughing. Leslie had an incredible laugh. I will miss that. And I will miss her.
Memorial service for Leslie Esdaile
Submitted by Beverly Jenkins (not verified) on August 3, 2011 - 1:46pm.
The lovely Leslie Esdaile Banks
Submitted by Melanie Schuster (not verified) on August 2, 2011 - 8:16pm.
Leslie was a powerhouse of a woman. She was talented, gorgeous and brilliant, and she was also one of the most charismatic and delightful people I've ever met. Leslie had such warmth, such charm and she was such a down-to-earth and special person that if you ever had the pleasure of meeting her, you'd never, ever forget her. She was always encouraging to new writers, and just a lovely person to know. I'm praying for her family and friends and everyone who loved her.
Melanie Schuster
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