Mr. Leodis Elliott

Leodis Elliott was born December 10, 1945 in Buena Vista, Arkansas to Versie and Anthem Elliott who preceded him in death. Leodis accepted Christ at an early age. The family later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was raised in the Brewster Projects and attended Detroit Public Schools. Determined to do things his own way, he later earned his GED. Seeking greater opportunities, Leodis enlisted in the United States Army, where he had the opportunity to travel overseas before receiving an honorable discharge. Upon returning home, he worked in the assembly line at Ford Motor Company. Wanting a more independent career, he spent many years working as a cab driver. Leodis met Warrenia Morris, and together they had 3 children: daughters Lisa and Versia, and his only son Leodis. He became deeply involved in the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church, where he was a powerful public speaker and active leader. He became a Bishop Netfa at the Shrine of the Black Madonna and was involved in the Black Slate and other leadership initiatives in the early 1970s. While raising his children and working as a teacher in Detroit Public Schools, Leodis pursued higher education, attending Wayne State University College of Law and graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Juris Doctorate of Law. After passing the bar exam, he was employed with the Public Defense Attorney downtown and became one of the best lawyers in Detroit in the mid to late 1970s. Though life presented many challenges, Leodis never stopped pushing forward. He continued to provide for his family through his resilience - returning to cab driving, offering legal advice, working as a substitute teacher, and even driving for Lyft into his later years. Leodis enjoyed spending time with family, making fires, cooking crackpot meals, eating chicken wings, going to the Brewster Reunions, all sports, going to his grandson's basketball games, and moon pies. Within the family, he was known for his fried corn, watermelon and chili. Leodis departed his life February 26, 2026 at age 80. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Waldene and Dorothy. Leodis leaves to cherish his memories to his adult children Lisa (Larry), Versia (Jayvarre), and Leodis; only surviving sister Verdia Middleton; grandchildren Jamiese, Jessica, Javarri, Jewell, Jarel, Jalise, La Mario and Kijana; nephews Carnell and Darnell; nieces Veleda and Hushie; great-nieces Carnesha, Destyni and De' Aysa; great-nephews Jaleel, Martez and Dijon; and great-great-nephew Josh affectionately known as "Munchkin".

Mr. Leodis Elliott

December 10, 1945 - February 26, 2026