Leslie Vernon LaVette, the beloved son of Alfred DePriest and Jacqueline Dorothy Guen LaVette, was born on February 15, 1955, in Marion, Ohio. He was the 5th oldest of 4 brothers and 5 sisters. He joined the military and served active duty from 1979 to 1982 in the U.S. Army where he also received his GED. While in the army, Leslie received many awards including the Expert Infantryman Badge, and was notorious for taking militant initiative as a foot soldier.

He was an avid member of the Apostolic Church of God where he was baptized and became a born-again believer in 1987. After committing to the Lord, Leslie also became a deacon and minister at his church. Leslie was very well known for his outspokenness, strong work ethic, perpetual faith, and fortitude. He was a jack of all trades and held many occupations throughout his lifetime including being a U.S. postal worker, auto mechanic, truck driver, maintenance technician, school bus operator, painter, and Amazonian.

Leslie married Kimberly Tanette Owens on August 30, 1998, and to this union, 4 children were born. Leslie, affectionately known as Flim Flam, enjoyed many hobbies such as martial arts, playing pool, dart throwing, bible study, bike riding, and singing for the Lord. Furthermore, he enjoyed watching old western and martial arts films and spending time with his loved ones and close friends. If you knew Leslie, you knew his love for Jesus was so grand that his relationship with him was inseparable. Everywhere he went, he loved ministering the word of God and fellowshipping with other believers. One would often hear him quote his all-time favorite scripture, Psalms 19:14, which states, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” It is with the essence of this scripture, that he was able to retain continuous encouragement and inspiration.

He was very people-oriented, loved to talk, and possessed a wit so clever that he was always able to make anyone laugh. Most would often joke that he had missed his calling as a stand-up comic. Leslie was truly loved by many and left a positive impact on the many people he knew and the copious lives he touched. Leslie departed this earth on February 17, 2023, after a tremendous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. He was a true crusader at heart and never surrendered to the many hardships he endured.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred DePriest and Jacqueline Dorothy Guen LaVette; brother, Leslie; sister, Patricia; and youngest son, Tommy Micah LaVette.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Kimberly LaVette; his daughters, Naomi and Leslie T.J; one son, Joshua; two brothers, Andre and Kimberlyn (Kimbo); four sisters, Jacqueline Alfreda (DeeDee), Sharlette Mae, Cherlyann and Michelle; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.