Leonidas Johnson

Leonidas Johnson CHESAPEAKE - Mr. Leonidas "Lee" Johnson of Cullen Avenue, passed Jan. 3, 2011 while a patient in Chesapeake General Hospital. He was born in Norfolk, on Jan. 20, 1938 to Leonidas L. and Lillie Mae Tidwell Johnson. Lee served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. In 1977, he retired and returned home to the Tidewater area. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served on the Trustee Board, the Usherboard and the Male Chorus. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Johnson and Gerald Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Cherry Johnson of Chesapeake; one daughter, Deborah Boothe (Morris) of Courtland, Va.; two sons, Val Antonio "Tony" Stevens (Janice), Jerome Wadell Grier of Norfolk; two brothers, Elson V. Johnson Sr. (Ella) of Chesapeake, James A. Johnson (Ivy) of Sterling, Va.; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives. A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 8, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1415 Rosewood Ave., Franklin, Va., with pastor, the Rev. Anthony Goodwyn delivering the eulogy. On the day of service, the family will assemble at Lee's home for the procession, 1714 Cullen Ave., Chesapeake. The interment will be in Southview Cemetery. A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 South Main St., Franklin. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons. com.