Leon DeVurney Philip

Leon Devurney Philip, 89, passed away February 3, 2025, at his home in Corona, CA. 

He was born February 20, 1935 in Trinidad and Tobago, to Maude Lawrence and Samuel Philip. He lived in the City of La Brea and worked in the oil fields until 27. 

He relocated to the United States and married his first wife, Vianna Burks, in St. Louis, MO., who preceded him in death October 31, 1977. 

He married Jewell Dean Chiles, June 15, 1987, in Los Angeles, California where they raised their two children, Janea and Korye Philip. 

Leon worked for UCLA until he retired in the late 90’s. 

Leon was a hard worker and never let the sunrise beat him. He worked for UCLA until he retired in the late 90’s, but even his retirement couldn’t slow him down. He always dreamed of starting his own custodial service and would frequently pick up side projects to work on while building his company. 

Leon was a joyful and spiritual man who always kept a smile on his face. He had playful sarcasm and quick wit paired with a thunderous laughter that could be heard from miles away. He never let his Trini accent stop him from sparking a conversation with anyone and would often give meaningful life advice. I can guarantee that after meeting Leon, you too would leave feeling uplifted. 

His favorite saying before saying goodbye was always; “Before you miss me, I’ll be gone”.

He will be missed tremendously…

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; son, Ronnie Philip; siblings, Leonara Carrington Crick, Fitzroy Carrington, Cecil Morancy, Veda Philip, Ernest Philip and Mearle Pearson. 

He is survived by his wife, Jewell Philip; daughter, Janea Philip (David Addison Jr.) of Canyon Country, CA; son, Korye Philip of Los Angeles, CA; nieces Jeanette Crick Ruffin and Melba Pearson Mecham (Bill); grandchildren, Nikiya Qaasim (Rashad), Ronald Eugene Philip II, Videll Philip (Brianna); great-grandchildren, Antonio Moore Jr., David Addison III, Miles Addison, Na’Terrion Terry, Elijah Qaasim, Ronald Philip III, Leiiona Philip, Imani Philip, Khalil Philip and Khairi Philip; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.