Leonard Omar Aiken, born in Brooklyn, New York on November 10, 1974, to Elliott Aiken, Jr. and Leola Hardy Aiken. After years of struggling with poor health, he entered into eternal rest on July 8, 2025.

Leonard graduated from Paul Robeson Voc. High School in Brooklyn, New York. He then moved to Orangeburg, SC. Leonard began working as a manager in hotels in Orangeburg, SC for years. He also became employed at South Carolina State University. There, he found his passion as a dedicated Assistant Director of Admissions for over 20 years before retiring in 2015. While employed, he went on to further his education at Claflin University & SCSU, later earning his Master’s Degree in 2013.

Leonard was preceded in death by his mother, Leola Hardy Aiken; daughter Omara Aiken; his brothers Bryan E. Aiken & Quinn Omar Aiken; his sister, Ellen Smalls, his maternal grandparents, Roy & Reatha Jennings Hardy, and his paternal grandparents, Elliott & Jessie Pough Aiken.

Leonard leaves to cherish his fond memories; his father Elliott Aiken Sr.; his wife Shawntika Aiken; his daughters Shianna (Keith) Aiken & Arianna Morales; his grandsons Jekaiden Elleon Laws & Anthony J. Morales Anderson; his brother Mark Aiken Sr.; a sister-in-law Romona Aiken; his loving nieces and nephews; Tiara Smalls; Terrance James; Bryan Aiken Jr., Malcolm Aiken, Diamondque Aiken, & Mark Aiken Jr.; his aunts Pearl (Nathaniel) Stevenson and Trudi Aiken.; and a host of extended family and friends.

Leonard will always be remembered for his strong sense of humor, always resulting in hearing his contagious, distinct, and hearty laugh. He preached success on every student, family member, friend, or stranger he came in contact with. He also loved to “garden” everyday, all day if he could.