Linnell " Lenny" Norris Church

Linnell Norris Church was born to the late James O. and Maria E. Church on May 9, 1956. He

departed this earthly life on Sunday August 4, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Lenny received his elementary and secondary education in Wilmington, DE public schools. He

loved playing little league baseball, amongst other sports. He attended P.S. DuPont High School

for a couple years, then transferred to De La Warr High School where he graduated in 1975. He

then attended Delaware State University, where he met his wife and the love of his life Lavon

“Bonnie” Church. They married on September 24, 1982.

While at DSU he was on the swim team where he excelled. Following his dream, he enlisted in

the United States Navy in 1977. After 20 years of military service, Lenny retired but continued

as a Navy reservist. He went back to college at DSU and earned his Bachelor’s degree. Lenny

was a community and state activist, he also shared his views on a local TV show, Lapa Hour and

also co-hosted another TV show, Out and About.

Lenny was a devoted husband, son, Dad, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was the kind

of person that would always listen and be there for you when you truly needed a shoulder to cry

on and give sound advice for almost any problem you were facing. Lenny was a very punctual

person. He loved being outdoors near the water, fishing in particular. He also enjoyed walking

his dog Truth, spending time at the Monday Club, doing commentary on channel 28, spending

time with family, or just relaxing and traveling with his wife Lavon. Lenny was also a very loyal

Washington Commanders (Redskins) fan, where he attended numerous games with his family.

Lenny liked to converse about many topics…Let’s not forget “TALKING” in general. He loved

to BBQ at family gatherings and if he was not initially in charge of the grill, that’s where he’d

end up. For Lenny it was all about family. Although he loved all his family deeply, he had a

special place in his heart for his baby sister Marcia and her daughters, Breanna and Bianca.

Lenny always gave you a question or two to ponder, especially if you were a male. Once Lenny

met and conversed with you, you became a fixture in his memory.

Lenny leaves to cherish his memory, wife and love of his life Lavon “Bonnie” Church, son

Kywnn Hall, grandchildren Destiny, Ambyr, Arisa, Tavion, Brennaye, and Tiara, brother LeLand

Church (Monique), sister Marcia Lynch (Reverend Keith Lynch), and a host of Aunts, Uncles,

nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Lenny was proceeded in passing by his father James O. Church, mother Maria E. Church,

brother James R. Church, sisters Mintoria Church and Marla Church-Hawkes, mother-in-law

Henrietta Bailey, father-in-law Paul Bailey, and his forever loyal K9 companion Truth.