Leflora James Young Sr.

Leflora James “Mark” Young was born to Cherry Young and Eddie James Hoover on February 9, 1971, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He attended Webster Elementary School. Leflora graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1989, but remained an active, faithful alumnus for the remainder of his life.

At an early age, Leflora gave his life to Christ. He was baptized and attended Tulane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend G.E. Daniels and Reverend Calvin Knight. His Christian upbringing was reinforced at home by his parents, Cherry Young Johnson and Reverend Grant Johnson.

Leflora joined the United States Marine Corps after high school. After Boot Camp, he was trained in avionics and stationed in Belle Chasse, LA. His unit was activated for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Upon his unit, Mag-46, Detachment Bravo, returning from combat, he met and married Melva Denise McKinney. Two children were born of the marriage: Brittany Leflora Young and Leflora James Young, Jr. From the age of 2, he was stepfather to Jacquite Francis.

Once Leflora left the Marine Corps in 1993, he began working for the City of New Orleans. He worked security for the New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor. He transferred to the French Market, providing security. On December 2, 1997, he became a member of the New Orleans Police Department, where he was assigned to the Fifth District and COPS unit. Leflora would work his way through the ranks, becoming a homicide detective and working property crimes, where he worked until 2005. After leaving NOPD, he worked for the Housing Authority New Orleans Police Department.

On September 4, 1993, Leflora became a member of Prince Hall Masonic Temple, Axiom Lodge #216. He would remain an active and supportive member until his death. He served as Master of Lodge #216 from 2008-2013.

Leflora attended and graduated from Delgado Community College. He obtained several degrees, including Certificate of General Studies and Associate of General Studies. He also attended Tulane University.

Leflora is preceded in death by his father, Eddie James Hoover, his stepfather, Reverend Grant Johnson, his maternal grandparents Clyde and Bessie Banks, Ms. Clara Evans, paternal grandmother, Pearlie Hoover, uncle Elester Earl Banks and aunt Glory Gene Banks.

On October 21, 2025, the Lord called Leflora home. He leaves behind his daughter, Brittany Young, two sons, Leflora Young, Jr. and Winton Augustine; one stepdaughter, Jacquite Francis; his mother, Cherry Young Johnson; his siblings Willie Young, Sr., Vanessa Young and Rosenia Young; five grandsons, Jaiden Young, Micah Johnson, Rakim Gray, Johan Peterson and Jarel Peterson. Three nephews: Bryston Young, Sr., Bryan Young, and Willie Young, Jr. He also leaves to cherish his memory, aunts, uncles, one great nephew, one great niece, extended family and friends.

Leflora touched so many hearts during his time here on Earth. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him and got to spend time with him. He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Leflora on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway, in Marrero. The funeral service will follow in the chapel at 10:00 AM. The committal service will occur Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr, in Slidell.