Willard Leon Jarvis

Willard Leon Jarvis, son of Willard Leon Anderson and Marie O. Jarvis Goodman, born June 19, 1949, departed this life on Monday, September 22, 2025 at The Newport News Rehabilitation Facility after a brief illness.

Leon went to school at Union St. Elementary School, Y.H. Thomas Jr. High and completed his education at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.

Having grown up on Union St., he liked to talk about his childhood memories and experiences of how things were while residing there.

Leon worked at the Langley Air Force base Class 6 store for more than 30 years before transferring to the Fort Eustis AAFES warehouse before retiring after 40 years of service.

He was affectionately known as "Willie Boo" to his family and close friends.

Leon always had a special place in his heart for children, whether they were family or neighborhood kids. He was also a Godfather to a few of them.

One of his greatest accomplishments was becoming a DJ in 1975, where he frequently worked as "Mr. DJ No.9." His latest hobby had been as a photographer, taking many photos of family, friends and people he met down at Mill Point Park and various street festivals. He was very active in the community, including deep frying turkeys during the holidays for those who asked and Leon never met a stranger. Some of his best stories were of all the recording artists and singers he met when he attended the shows at the Hampton Coliseum and other venues, especially James Brown, who was his favorite artist. He also loved to have cookouts at his home with plenty of food and music; always the best host and life of the party. He WAS the party!

Leon was predeceased by his stepfather Theodore R. Goodman Sr. and brother, Theodore R. Goodman Jr.

Willie Boo leaves to mourn his passing two devoted sisters, Zandra Goodman (Gene), and Francine Goodman; two devoted brothers, William Goodman (Lula), and Terrence Goodman (Velva); sister in law, Celestine Goodman and a host of nieces, (special niece Zynae O. Goodman), nephews, cousins, and many very good friends who loved him dearly.

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