Otha Linwood Leathers

The Service for Mr. Leathers will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor

[ Service limited to 50 persons ]

Mr. Otha Linwood Leathers, was born on September 11, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina, son of the late Samuel Linwood Leathers and Helen Keller Umphrey Leathers. He departed this life on Sunday, January 24, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Otha is preceded in death by his son Darelle Marquis Harper; brothers and sister-in-law: Floyd Gaddy (Betty), and Charles Edwin Leathers; sisters and brothers-in-law: Shirley Gaddy Eades (Robert), Mary Elizabeth Tart Burrell (James Tart, John Burrell), and Hazel Ann Weaver (Nathan).

 From a young child, Otha’s was challenged with his speech. This did not deter him. He persevered throughout his life in spite of his challenge. He was raised in Durham on “Dunstan Street”, where everyone was family and neighbors. Core values, life skills and “Love for God” were instilled into the neighborhood children at an early age.

Otha was educated in the Durham City Schools having graduated from Hillside High School in June 1965 (‘Class of 1965’). Otha loved sports. While at Hillside, he played on the football team. As well as learned a trade and skill as a brick mason. The masonry class  laid the brick foundation for several new homes located on Lawson Street near the “old site” of Hillside High School.

Otha was employed by the City of Durham. While working in the Durham Parks and Recreation Department site at W.D Hill Recreation Center, Otha coached football, basketball, and baseball. He had the opportunity to mentor young boys and instill in them life skills, core values and wisdom. Many of them have become successful in various careers and leadership positions.

One of Otha’s mentees, John P. Kee moved him to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Otha  rededicated his life back to God and became an active member of New Life Fellowship Church (NLFC ) under the leadership of Senior Pastor John P. Kee. Pastor Kee gave Otha a full-time position at NLFC as Building Operations Manager of three of the church properties.

Mr. Leathers leaves to cherish his memory, his three children, a son, Thomas Derwood Leathers, Durham, NC, (Mother Eunice Lyons Leathers); two daughters: Sherika Latrice Harper, Durham, NC, (Mother Shirley Harper), and Catherine Monique Leathers, Memphis, Tennessee, (Mother Jennifer Leathers Dawson); two grandsons: Exavier Jackson, Ty’Rek Harper; five granddaughters: Kamri Harper, Naziah Harper, F. Samera Othman, Mikia Harper, and Ari Harper. Senior Pastor John P. Kee, and New Life Fellowship Church Family, Charlotte, NC. Brenda Bass Leathers, two sisters: Helen Leathers Strong, Washington, DC;  and Elder Pricilla Leathers Jones and brother-in-law: Donald Jones, Durham, NC; sister-in-law: Alma Menefield Leathers, Bronx, NY.  A long-time friend Gayford Caston (“Brother Love”), Durham, NC and a special friend, Pearle Jean Moses, Charlotte, NC. And a loving host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family, and friends.

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