John James Leverett

The Life and Legacy of John James Leverett

Ephesians 2:6-7

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Jesus Christ.

June 18, 1958 was the day that John James Leverett was born to his parents, John and Helen Leverett, in Cleveland, Ohio.  He was affectionately known as “babro” by his many friends and family, “Junior” by his dad, and “John D” by his beloved wife, Mattie.  As his life progressed he attended Wooldridge Elementary. He then went to live with his grandmother, Mrs. Lucy Hooks in Cumberland, Kentucky, where his formal education continued, and he graduated from Cumberland High School in 1975.  During the time that he lived in Kentucky he gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. Hugh Cowans, Jr.  After John rededicated his life to Christ in 2018, at the urging of his dear friend and mentor, Mrs. Cooper he began attending Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Pastor Dr. Robin Hedgeman.  He later joined their congregation.

After graduation John continued his journey by returning to Cleveland, where he then enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged in 1982.  Once he was discharged he began a whirlwind romance with music by becoming a disc jockey.  He was known by the title “Dr. J” all over the city of Cleveland.  Many people did not know that in addition to being a DJ John was a phenomenal artist.  He could draw anything, and as a youth he was awarded several summer art scholarships and attended art school.  John was very passionate about his music, being a sharp dresser, and taking care of his grandchildren.  It was during John’s disc jockeying days that he met Mattie Aleisa Jones.  Their courtship led to their marriage on July 27th, 1996 and to this union two children were born.

In 2018 John retired from FFR Industries, Twinsburg, Ohio, where he had worked for many years.  Prior to his employment there he also worked at Goodwill Industries for 15 years.

After a short illness John departed this life on Labor Day morning, September 6, 2021. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Lucy Hooks, George and Mary James, brothers: Erskine Williams and Rev. Vernon Hooks, nephew: Larry Montgomery, uncles: Robert and Samuel Hooks, mother in law: Mrs. Bonnie Jones, niece: Tyra Jones, brother in law: Robert Earl Jones & dearest friend: Stacatto Lynch.

John leaves behind to cherish his memories and continue his legacy: his beloved wife: Mattie Alesia Jones Leverett, his children: John (Tremaine), Kiara, Hazel, Jaleisa, and Jameika; his grandchildren: Monecia, Jada, Marquise, Trayvion, Kyia, Our’mond, Amaree, Deontae (Tae-Tae), Jay’ceion, Diante (Baby Tae), Jaylondyn(Piglet), Savannah, & two children who he loved as his own grandchildren Journee and Jayonn. He also leaves to cherish his memories his siblings: Calvesta Harris (Michael), Lana Pollard (Darrell), Janice Mike (William), and Doris Leverett; sisters in laws: Evelyn Jones (David) and Linda Jones(Derrick), aunts: Lula M. Hooks, of Fresno, California, Gracie Robinson (Earl), of Chicago, Illinois, Rosa Moxley, of Dayton, Ohio, Juanita Roper, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Floretta James (Steve), of Bowling Green, Kentucky, & Vonceil Robinson, of Birmingham, Alabama.  In addition, many nieces, nephews, and cousins are also left to mourn his passing. Last but certainly not least he leaves his great friends Michael Richerson (Sandra), Calvert Thomas (Ann), Darnell Redd (Helen) Leroy Decembly & Rodney Crawford.

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