CHESAPEAKE—Leonidas “Lee” Johnson of Cullen Avenue, Chesapeake, Va., passed January 3, 2011, while a patient in Chesapeake General Hospital.

He was born in Norfolk, Va., on January 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 Usher Board 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, Chesapeake, Va.; one daughter, Deborah Boothe (Morris), Courtland, Va.; two sons, Val Antonio “Tony” Stevens (Janice) and Jerome Wadell Grier, Norfolk, Va.; two brothers, Elson V. Johnson Sr. (Ella), Chesapeake, Va., and James A. Johnson (Ivy), Sterling, Va.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives.

A celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1415 Rosewood Avenue, Franklin, Va., with the pastor, Reverend Anthony Goodwyn delivering the eulogy.

On the day of service, the family will assemble at Lee’s home for the processional, 1714 Cullen Avenue, Chesapeake, Va. The interment will be in Southview Cemetery.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com.