Leroy Douglas

Leroy Douglas, a 29-year educator in New Orleans public schools, businessman, community advocate, and artist, passes at 85. Leroy Douglas, a secondary and adult education teacher who taught at several New Orleans public schools, died on Jan. 15, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. He was 85. From 1964-1992, Douglas taught art and history at Edward Phillips Jr. High School, Samuel J. Peters Jr. High School, Gateway Senior High School, and Booker T. Washington Senior High School. Mr. Douglas leaves a legacy as a great teacher who touched many lives as he guided and taught students for successful outcomes. He was elected teacher of the year by colleagues. He lived his childhood dream of becoming a teacher and gained a reputation that transcended past school walls.That passion for teaching was rewarded with countless success stories and expressions of gratitude from former students from all professions and walks of life. Leroy Douglas was born and raised in New Orleans. He attended Booker T. Washington High School where he left to join the United States Navy. Upon completion of the term of service, Douglas returned to school to graduate in 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in art and history. Douglas continued graduate studies at the University of New Orleans. Years later, he earned a Master of Arts (1988) from Alabama State University with a concentration in history and black political organizations in New Orleans. During his life journey, Mr. Douglas wore many hats: father, husband, teacher, artist, businessman, writer, philosopher, radio personality, historian, and producer. He even delved into politics, running in 1999 as an Independent for Louisiana State Senator, District 3. As a businessman, Douglas, along with his two brothers Joe and Harold, became popular during the mid and late sixties because of their trendy, iconic nightclub, The Brothers' Three. The clothing store by that same name became a downtown neighborhood favorite. Douglas went on to open several other businesses that were not as successful as The Brothers' Three. Leroy Douglas was a published writer of books: God is Good: Poems and Thoughts (2005) and Second Coming: Upscale Hip (2001). He sold several screenplays--one--I Got the Hook Up (1998) made it to theatres internationally. His community-oriented radio show, "Voices of the Village," was acclaimed a hit by listeners and ran for five years (2013-2018) at the WBOK Radio Station in New Orleans. Mr. Douglas was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Southern Organization for Unified Leadership (SOUL), and the United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO). Survivors include his wife, Carrie Mingo Douglas; three daughters, Charlotte Kilpatrick (Sacramento, CA), Karen Douglas (New Orleans, LA), and Hadiya Holley (Houston, TX); two sons, Vasin Douglas (Atlanta, GA), Jahhe "Duke" Douglas (Denver, CO); four brothers: Harold, Albert, Michael Douglas (New Orleans, LA), and Edward Douglas (Metairie, LA); eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many more family members. Funeral service for Leroy Douglas will be held at the Winnfield Funeral Home in Shreveport, LA at 11:00 am, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. Winnfield Funeral Home is located at 3701 Hollywood Ave., Shreveport, LA 71109, (318) 631-0203. Interment will be on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Northwest LA Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville, LA 71047. Memorial and repast will be Friday, March 3, 2023, at 3:00 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70112. (504) 525-1551. Repast will follow memorial in Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you send donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, STAIR Program (Start the Adventure in Reading), 411 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, https://judeshrine.com/.