Mr. Leon Roosevelt Brandon, Jr., of Falling Waters, West Virginia—lovingly known by family as “Pot”, died early Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, at Doey’s House, Hospice of Washington County, Hagerstown. His wife of 24 years, Mrs. Dietra L. Brandon, his son Michael and granddog’ Mercy were close by.
Leon was born January 23, 1956, in Washington, District of Columbia, to the late Leon Roosevelt, Sr., and Ruby McDonald Brandon. He was the oldest of six children and was the oldest of twenty-one maternal/paternal cousins—three of which preceded him in death. He was a graduate of T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria, VA) and attended Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA where he received an associate degree in music. He later studied photography at the Northern VA Community College, where he received the 12th annual award of ‘Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. He then dedicated over fifteen years to his passion of ‘freelance photography.’
Leon met the love of his life, Dietra Lockridge in 1997. They were engaged a year later and exchanged marriage vows in July 1999. They resided in the DMV before moving to Falling Waters, West VA in July 2022. They were so happy and thankful to God for saying ‘Yes’ and blessing them with their first home in Falling Waters, WV.
As seasons continued to change, he joined Avis Car Rental as a driver from 2007 – 2014 before becoming an independent contractor with UBER until February 2024. He cherished the blessing of meeting people and appreciated learning of the hidden gems that are nestled around the DMV.
Leon was truly a "Family is Everything" man. He loved celebrating family and cherished the moments with his nieces and nephews as they grew into young adulthood. He was instrumental in starting the monthly family Zoom call which kept the family connected during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued afterwards.
He stole the hearts of his in-laws and maintained continued connections with many of his childhood friends, as well as high school, college mates and former colleagues. Under this portion of his ‘village’ he was affectionately referred to as ‘Brother, Brother Le, Cousin, Heavy, Le, LeLe, My Friend, Uncle Le/Leon, Road Dog, and Wall.
He loved a friendly conversation and did not hesitate to pour love, joy, and wisdom into each moment. He had a contagious smile and a hearty laugh and considered himself the "family comedian" frequently telling ‘corny’ jokes and referencing ‘old adages.
He was a diehard fan of the Washington Redskins/Commanders team! He was an avid foodie and enthusiast of diverse cuisines; enjoyed cooking, sharing recipes, and sending photos of the final creations.
Leon and Dietra became members of Seventh Day Adventist Church in 2001 joining the Community Praise Church (Alexandria, VA) and most recently transferring their membership to the Willowbrook Church (Boonsboro). He was a resolute ‘Bible Worker’ serving in the ‘Army of the Lord.’ He did not hide his love of Christ and for souls while ministering with love and without judgment. If one accepted the invitation for bible study, he was committed to the assignment.
Despite health issues taking the best out of Leon during the last two years, he pressed on while looking to Jesus through the journey.
Leon is survived by his cherished wife Dietra; son Michael of Washington, DC, and granddaughter Kalaya of Arlington, VA; Siblings, Jewel and husband Brian Martin of Clarksburg, Stacey Jenel Griffin and Marlond Brandon, both of Suitland, Gina Dykes of Alexandria, VA; and Kemberley Archie of Triangle, VA; His Uncle James and Aunt Eunice Brandon of Fort Washington; Uncle Leslie and Aunt Jerolene Pincham of Clinton mother-in-law, Geraldine Moon of Washington, DC; brother-in-law, Alonzo Lockridge of Arlington, VA; and many nieces; nephews; cousins, other relatives; and many friends including closest confidants, Aleise Selby, Auburn, GA; Bill Suber, Clinton; Carey Barnes, Cincinnati, OH, Debbie Carroll, Cambridge, Gary Anderson, Alexandria; JJ Halatei, Alexandria; Jimmy Brandon, Norfolk, VA, Lloyd Flood, Alexandria; H. Ricky Chambers, Brandywine, ‘Tess’ Parker, Woodbridge, VA, and Willie Slade, Winchester, VA.
The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, is assisting the family with arrangements. The family will receive friends at Community Praise SDA Church, 1400 Russell Road, Alexandria, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM, until services begin at 12:00 PM. Pastors Melvyn Warfield, Jr. (CPC) will officiate with the assistance of Pastor Henry M. Wright, Sr., retired senior pastor; and Pastor Lawrence "Lou" Alfalah (Willowbrook Church)
Flowers should be sent directly to Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc., 40 East Antietam Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Those wishing to do so may offer condolences to the family at www.akcoffmanfh.com.
