Leslie Lee Ransom, Sr.

Obituary Reverend Leslie Lee Ransom Sr., son of the late Barbara Jean Ransom, was born on March 16, 1947 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He departed this life on February 28, 2016, after a lengthy illness. “Mr. Sweetie,” as he was lovingly called, received his education from Forest Park High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Shortly after graduating from high school he served in Vietnam where he became a decorated (see list of awards) Army Ranger. At the end of his career in the armed services, Mr. Sweetie attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. After earning his Bachelor’s degree he attended St. Mary’s Seminary where he earned a Master’s degree in Theology. During his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary, he was called to preach. He became a minister, preaching his trial sermon at Friendship Baptist Church. He then founded his own church, St. Johns Christian Church and Ministries. He continued his studies at Trinity College and Seminary in Indiana where he earned the title of PhD in Biblical Studies. In addition to his biblical journey, Mr. Sweetie was the successful owner of a small business consulting firm. Mr. Sweetie leaves to morn his loving wife, Dora Williams-Ransom. He also leaves four children, Catherine Ransom, Kimberli Newman, Leslie Ransom, Jr., and Deanna Ransom, and much beloved stepfather to Kathi Williams Barber and Cassie Dadzie. He was the grandfather of Janerra Crosby, JaVon Ford, Shiann Brown-Ford NyRie Ransom from whom he was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Llynae, Cameron and Llondyn Johnson, Kyler Ransom, Jahmir and Jakhi Fatiu, and Brielle and Amir Ransom. MILITARY AWARDS/UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE PURPLE HEART FOR MILITARY MERIT - 1969 NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE AWARD - 1970 AIR MEDAL - 1970 Heroic Actions/Meritorious Service while Participating in Aerial Flight REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE AWARD - 1971 THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL for MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT IN GROUND OPERATIONS AGAINST HOSTILE FORCES - 1972 CITY & STATE COMMENDATIONS Ordination as a Minister - City of Baltimore, 1997 Recognition of Ordination Services – The City Council of Baltimore, 1997 Signing of Maryland’s Anti-Gun Violence Act of 1996, State of Maryland Office of the Governor, 1996 Member of the Maryland’s Economic Development Commission – State of MD, Office of the Governor, 1996 Recognition of Outstanding Service to the HIV Prevention Community Planning Group, The City Council of Baltimore, 1995 Congratulations in Recognition of The Celebration of a Trial Sermon, The City Council of Baltimore, 1994 AWARDS & CERTIFICATES (abbreviated list) Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Tear of the Year – Baltimore School of Divinity, 2004-2005 Businessman of the Year – The National Republican Congressional Committee’s Business Advisory Council, 2003 Special Award for Significant Contribution – Delta Lambda, 2003 Citizens Advisory Commission on Impact of Military Spending, City of Baltimore – Member, 1999 Youth Imagery Bronze Level Sponsor – Youth Imagery Company, Baltimore, Maryland, 1999 Dedicated Service as Eastern Assistant Vice President – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 1978-1979

Tributes

Leslie Lee Ransom, Sr.

March 16, 1947 - February 28, 2016