Leigh Anders Coln

Fifty-five years ago, on September 17, the sun rose on the life of LEIGH A. COLN at Norfolk General Hospital. Suddenly, on October 5, 2004, the sun set. During his formative years Leigh attended the Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from City College. He also attended Coppin State College for a brief while. Always optimistic and passionately willing to serve others, Leigh heard the call of the United States Marine Corps and was subsequently sent to Vietnam. He served his country with valor and received an honorable discharge. The horrors of war were more than his gentle spirit could handle and shortly after his discharge, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome and received a service disability. As much as Leigh loved to serve others, he also loved to serve God. He accepted Christ into his life at the age of seven at Patterson Asbury A.M.E. Zion Church. There he served on the Junior Usher Board and sang in the choir. Later, he followed his family to Metropolitan United Methodist Church and was active in the Young Adult Ministry. Three years ago, he joined Douglas Memorial Community Church. He was a faithful member who especially enjoyed worshipping on Communion Sundays. The family is comforted with the knowledge that he received communion on the Sunday before his death. Anyone who knew Leigh, knew that he loved to drive buses and big trucks. After employment with Trailways, he combined his love of serving others with his desire to drive any and everywhere by driving other veterans to and from their daily medical appointments. He also worked for Hopkins Bus Company and most recently for the Roland Park Retirement Community. When Leigh received his Commercial Drivers License, it was the happiest day of his life! The other love of his life was his wife, Geraldine. Upon their union, Leigh faithfully cared for her and her children until her untimely death in 1995. Leigh was a gentle, caring, and quiet man of God who made memorable friends wherever he went. His family is overwhelmed and touched deeply by the expressions of grief of so many who knew and loved him. Leigh lived life with a spirit of adventure and fully on his own terms. The fractures left in his mind by the harsh reality of war did not dim the bright shining light of his compassionate spirit and contagious smile. Even in their grief, the family cannot help but smile at the memories of a life well-lived. Where there is love and laughter, any life is too short. He leaves to cherish his memory: uncle, William E. Hill; sister, Zenia Jenkins; brother and sister-in-law, James and Nina Hill; cousins, Hilda McNeely, Evelyn Cason, Barbara Langston and William Portlock; niece, Alaina Jenkins; fiancee, Marsha Joyner; and a host of extended family and friends whose lives he blessed.

Tributes

Leigh Anders Coln

September 17, 1949 - October 5, 2004