Susan Dempsey is a devoted mother and grandmother who has always put family first. For many years, she ran a successful screenprint business from home. She was recently asked to bring her expertise to Grit and Grace – A Small Town Shop, a growing business that went from a booth at the Louisville Trading Company to a shop on Main Street. Dempsey balances all this with caring for her grandchildren, whom she has cared for since the death of her daughter, Lesley. Lesley Whitehead Boatner was wellknown – and wellloved – around Louisville. Dempsey set up multiple fundraising events to help pay for her daughter’s medical bills. Lesley had a rare form of breast cancer, and she traveled as far as MD Anderson in Texas seeking treatment. Out of this tragedy came Lesley’s Lemonade and Heaven Scent. “Lesley’s thing was that she wanted to be remembered,” notes Dempsey. She was diagnosed at the young age of 39 (in 2021) with triple negative breast cancer, which would later develop into brain cancer (diagnosed July 2022). With the odds stacked against her, Lesley and her mother would seek treatment and fight her diagnosis as long as was possible. Lesley would pass away in 2023. Lesley and Susan spent a year at MD Anderson in treatment. Dempsey decided to keep doing the fundraisers in Lesley’s memory and to benefit local students going into healthcare, which was Lesley’s chosen profession before she became ill. In 2023, Lesley’s family provided one $500 scholarship. “We chose a student that year from the school Lesley’s children attended; at that time, we only had the funds to provide one scholarship, but this year we were able to provide scholarships for students at each school in the county.” She noted that one school did not have a student to apply for the scholarship, which requires someone to declare a major in healthcare. “We want to give scholarships at each school in the county, though,” Dempsey notes. In 2023, the winner of the scholarship was Mayson Smith of Winston Academy. This year, the four scholarship winners were: Kaylee Rodgers of Nanih Waiya, Chloe Hickman of Louisville High, Ella Brown from Winston Academy, and Morgan Woods of Noxapater. Locals can help to preserve Lesley’s memory and give to the scholarship by purchasing “Lesley” items at Grit and Grace. Currently, there are candles, bath products, and other “heavenly” products available. These are set up in a special area that features Lesley’s photo. Dempsey and her husband John have three children: Lesley and Eric Whitehead and Jack Dempsey. Lesley’s vocation was healthcare, while Eric owns Whitehead Automotive. Jack currently works at Franks Chevrolet in Kosciusko. Susan noted she has seven grandchildren that are “her pride and joy.” While some of the younger grandchildren are still in (grade) school, she noted that Tanner, Lesley’s oldest, is a senior at Mississippi State and is a member of the National Guard. (Susan and Tanner came up with the idea to provide scholarships in Lesley’s honor.) Another grandchild will be playing softball at Jones Community College in the fall. Dempsey gushes with excitement when talking about each of them and their activities. Eventually, Dempsey and her family want to set up an organization called “Lesley’s Light.” This would help to provide gas cards to families traveling for treatment, “but we’re not their yet.” Dempsey has vowed to keep her daughter’s memory alive, and she’s doing so by doing good. In addition, she wants to help those who have been down the same tragic road as her family. By spreading Lesley’s light and love, Dempsey is helping people to get through tough times. (Above, right) Dempsey with granddaughter Libby Boatner
