Obituary of Master Sergeant Leon R. Stevenson, Sr.

Master Sergeant Leon R. Stevenson, Sr. formerly of Wilmington Delaware passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 surrounded by family. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 11, 1956 to the late Percy, Sr. and Dorothy Stevenson. Leon graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and the University of Delaware.

Leon was well respected and proudly served the  community as a member of the Wilmington Police Department for 37 years and was the longest active duty officer in the Department.

Leon had a special love for basketball. He was a member of both the PS DuPont “Dynamiter’s” and the University of Delaware Blue Hens basketball teams. He enjoyed traveling, watching movies, and exploring new restaurants with his family. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Wilbert James, Ronald James, and Percy L. Stevenson Jr.

Leon is survived by his loving wife Nyra; Children: Brittney Pride (Joseph), Leon Jr.(Lillian), Sierra; Grandchildren: Gavin, Donovan, and Ella; Sisters: Deborah and Theresa.

Master Sergeant Leon R. Stevenson, Sr., formerly of Wilmington Delaware, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 surrounded by family. Leon was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 11, 1956 to the late Percy, Sr. and Dorothy Stevenson. He graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1974, then attended St. Francis College and South Carolina State University before receiving his degree from the University of Delaware. Additionally, Leon received a degree of certification from the French Culinary Institute of New York City.

In his spare time, Leon indulged in the game of basketball. Not having a favorite team did not stop him, as he merely loved to watch a good game. Leon enjoyed basketball so much that he often took vacation days just to watch the March Madness tournament. While in high school, Leon even took his team to the championship, "GO DYNAMITERS!" He also played for each college/university he attended. Kung Fu was another sport Leon mastered, earning his black belt and assisting in the teaching of martial arts.

Leon enjoyed cooking and trying new fine dining restaurants. He loved to travel, especially to his favorite beach house in Virginia Beach for his annual family vacation. This trip always included days spent on the beach, movies, and would end with dinner at Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant. He was truly a family-oriented man, always making sure everyone learned to do the right thing in life while also serving as a true protector.

In 1982, Leon joined the Wilmington Police Department and earned the rank of Master Sergeant. His passion for joining the force was evident from the beginning as he was determined to be a positive example. Leon vowed to provide dignity and respect to the community during his time in the police department. As a result, he proudly served the Wilmington Police Department for 37 years and at the time of his passing was ranked number one in years of service.

In addition to his parents Leon was preceded in death by brothers Wilbert James, Ronald James, and Percy L. Stevenson Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Nyra; Children: Brittney Pride (Joseph), Leon Jr.(Lillian), Sierra; Grandchildren: Gavin, Donovan, and Ella; Sisters: Deborah, Theresa Stevenson, and Diane Mills. Father- in-law Arthur J. Hackett Jr., Sister in-laws Tiffany Hackett(William), Veronica Johnson (Irving). Childhood friend Michael Thomas, special niece Dominique Stevenson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.