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FRANKLIN – Leon Welton Deshields Sr., born in Beaver Creek, Maryland, and a resident of Franklin since 1963, died on Feb. 23, 2021. He was the last surviving of the four sons born to Zephiniah and Ethel Deshields.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Myrtice Swindell Deshields. He is survived by his son, L. Welton Deshields Jr. and his wife, Lottie, of Franklin; daughter, Donna Adams and her husband, David, of Smithfield; four grandchildren, Chad Deshields (Ashley), Ashley Hansen (Jeff), Shelley Sundy and John Adam Spatig (Linda); and four great-grandchildren: Dillon, Ashlynn and Arianna Barnes and John Hudson Spatig. The family would like to thank their dad’s caregivers for their love, care and support.

The burial service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Lake Prince Woods Benevolent Fund, 100 Anna Goode Way, Suffolk, VA 23434. These are the folks who help the less fortunate residents to live there and it is quite worthy.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.