Leisha Anne Heathcote, 64, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. Born on February 9, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton J. Heathcote and Dorothy J. Warner Heathcote, and her sister, Sheila Lynne Heathcote.

Leisha was highly accomplished both academically and professionally. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master's degree in Finance, became a Certified Public Accountant, and joined Research Planning, Inc. (RPI) in 1997. She served as Assistant Controller for nearly three decades before retiring in February 2025. To those who worked alongside her, Leisha was far more than a colleague—she was a trusted friend whose humor, warmth, and generous spirit left a lasting impression.

A 13-year breast cancer survivor, Leisha faced her diagnosis with the same courage and grace that characterized the way she lived. She was well-traveled and adventurous, with a love of hiking, exploring the world, and meeting new people. She truly never met a stranger and had a special gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and at ease.

A devoted animal advocate and longtime vegan, Leisha believed that all living beings deserved humane and respectful treatment. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed was right, including participating in animal-rights protests opposing the use and mistreatment of animals in circuses and rodeos. She was equally passionate about human rights as well, reflecting her strong belief in dignity, fairness, and equality for all.

Although Leisha loved all creatures, cats held an especially tender place in her heart. She proudly embraced the title of "Crazy Vegan Cat Lady," a distinction anyone who knew her understood she wore with great affection. For years, she fed and watched over feral cats in downtown Columbia's Vista, quietly tending to animals that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Those who loved Leisha most and will forever cherish her memory include her beloved husband, Dr. Marion Timothy "Tim" Wells; her bonus daughters, Hannah Wells, M.D., of Charleston, South Carolina, and Emily Wells, LL.M., of Boston, Massachusetts; and the Wells family, who lovingly considered Leisha their sister—Fleta, Mary, Sarah, and Whit. She was preceded in death by Laura and Francis Wells.

The family will hold a private gathering to celebrate and honor Leisha's life.

Leisha's life was marked by kindness — to people, to animals, and to the world around her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless two-legged and four-legged lives made better simply because she cared.

For those who feel moved to do something in her memory, Leisha had a tremendous love for animals and was a devoted animal advocate. A donation to a local animal rescue or animal-welfare organization in her honor would be a meaningful way to celebrate her life and the causes she cared so deeply about.