Burial Services for 2 DC Family Members Killed by Covid19

Washington, DC

Burial services are taking place today for Leslie Leake and her son John Leake Jr at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood. Leslie and John Jr. both died within days of each other from the coronavirus. Daughter, Shanta Leake-Cherry, says, "we are overwhelmed by the support and love shown to my family." Shanta, not only is saying goodbye to her mother and brother today. A week ago, she buried her sister, Nicky Leake, who also died from the coronavirus. "We have had people bring us food, check-in on us, and family & friends did two drive-by's," says Shanta.

Friends like Tracy Greene, with her sister circle of friends, drove by, "we needed her to know that God has surrounded her with sisters to support her through this. We prayed together, and we cried together."
Carmen Burreal from Southeast Washington, DC, saw the family's story on a friend's Facebook page and was moved to put together a memorial photo to help ease the family's pain. "It was my way of saying I'm sorry." Burreal looked at photos of Leslie, Nicky, and John Jr. on Facebook saw three pictures that stood out, and created the memorial image. Gary C Hicks Sr. put together a video of the family "they were loved by many and needed to be honored." The video has been shared hundreds of times on Facebook.

Shanta's brother, Jonathan Leake, who is grieving, says, "the love being shown has impacted him greatly and has helped him get through each day." The family's story has reached New Zealand and made national news. Maryland cousin, Yolanda Gaither explains, "this is hard because John Jr., Nicky, and I, along with Shanta and Jonathan, talked every day from 5 am to 1 am the next day". A void is left by Leslie, Nicky, and John Jr., but memories will live on forever. As of press time, Leslie's husband, John Sr. and grandson Donte both are doing well and healthy. They tested positive for the coronavirus. Shanta says she wants to keep her father close to her now and look after him. Family in North Carolina did a love drive-by to show support for Leslie’s mother who is in her late 90’s.

Bishop Melvin Robinson Jr. the family’s pastor from Master’s Child Church had this to say,

“It’s very difficult but our continual faith in God has given us the fortitude to endure. As a church family, the loss of Mother Leake, John Jr. and Nicky is immeasurable, however we are fully aware that nothing compares to the loss felt by the Leake family. The MCC community will always be there for the Leake family as we will with any family that experiences the loss of love ones. We will get through this with the help of God.”

A go-fund-me page is set up to help the family https://www.gofundme.com/f/trinetta-leakecherry-amp-family?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&rcid=710596a5b4b643d789b2ef7a31f527a5&fbclid=IwAR0Xs1BRDSBRcgYL7HyOa7_6-QtUas6IrMhlsio0EnIC2iKdTT4MJeYSOLg

Broadcaster and Photojournalist Victoria Gaither contributed to this story.