Shawn Cordell Leek

With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Shawn Cordell Leek, a man whose spirit lit up every room, every sidewalk, and every soul who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on July 15, 1978, to Babette and Fredrick Leek, Shawn came into the world just after his older brother Jason, who passed away at birth. From the beginning, Shawn's life carried a weight of purpose. Weeks after he was born, doctors informed his parents that he had Down Syndrome and asked if they wished to place him for adoption. Their answer was instant: "NO." Babette didn't pray for healing - she prayed for acceptance. Not for herself, but for the world around Shawn. Because she already knew he wasn't a mistake. He was a miracle. Shawn was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost before his teenage years under Bishop Curtis Turner, and he never stopped praising. When the music hit, Shawn was the first to dance.He moved in freedom. He clapped until chains broke. He praised until Heaven opened. Not just above him - but all around him. Within him. Through him. Shawn didn't wait for the Spirit to come - he brought it with him. His fire didn't stop at church. If our brother by love James started slipping, Shawn would look over and say, "You need to get saved James." And every Sunday, during prayer requests, he'd ask for prayer for his sister Ashley, prompting Babette to smile and say, "What about the rest of them?" It was bold, loving, and pure Shawn. Shawn loved basketball - especially playing it - his favorite team was the Chicago Bulls. He was a fan of wrestling (his favorite wrestler: Hulk Hogan) and loved the movie No Holds Barred. Nothing topped Rocky, though - because like Rocky, Shawn was a fighter. Not with fists, but with faith, laughter, and resilience. He also proudly competed in the Special Olympics, participating in basketball, baseball, and bowling - showcasing not only his athletic ability but his incredible spirit and teamwork. He worked at Mervis Industries and later WorkSource, making countless friends along the way. But it was in his community that Shawn shined most. Danville loved him. You could find Shawn At church events, and alwayslaughing, or walking to Hardees- and when someone we didn't know would gave him a ride home, he'd simply say, "That'sMy friend." He stayed sharp - thanks to his mom, who made sure Shawn wore only the sharpest suits, and newest outfits. And his father made sure of that too, taking him faithfully to the barbershop - a long-standing tradition they shared with love and pride. His godmother, Mary Turner, loved him dearly and always made sure to do special things for him. He was even the ring bearer in her wedding. One of his greatest joys came just days before he passed - seeing his favorite gospel artist, John P. Kee, live in concert with his parents. It wasn't just another night - it was the moment his spirit had been waiting for. This was the voice he blasted through the house for hours, the songs he knew by heart, the praise that stirred his soul. And that night, Shawn praised with everything in him - as if Heaven had waited to give him one last gift. In the middle of all that worship, Babette felt it - something was shifting. She didn't say it out loud, but deep in her heart, she knew: Shawn's spirit was already reaching for Glory. Days later, just like every other night, Shawn and his father, Fredrick, closed the evening with their sacred bedtime ritual: his dad called out, "Suko," and Shawn replied, "Daddymac." It was their language of love. On June 13, 2025, Shawn took his final breath. He didn't leave in silence. He left calling on Jesus. The same name he danced for. The same name he lifted in worship. That name was on his lips when he left us - and the first one Heaven heard as he entered in. He is survived by his loving mother, Babette Leek, and devoted father, Fredrick Leek; his brothers, Marcus Leek and Damon Leek, and his sister, Ashley Leek, his favorite Aunts CathrynLewis-Lillard and Carolyn Leek his Godson Shawn-Michael; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and a city full of people who were made better just by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his brother Jason Leek, maternal grandparents Gene and Georgetta Lewis, paternal grandparents David and Gladys Withers, his Aunt Charlea Lewis, and his friend Ashia Farr. Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 am Wednesday June 25, 2025 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Eulogist: Evangelist Ashley Leek-Thomas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shawn Cordell Leek, please visit our floral store.