RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Allen Singleton was born to Allen Singleton, his father, and Jessie McCoy Singleton, his mother, in Clarksdale, MS on February 12, 1921.
WHEREAS, his family moved to Edwards, MS, although his formative years were spent in Jackson, MS where he attended Lanier High School.
WHEREAS, after graduation in 1941, he became employed with the Illinois Central Railroad, where he worked on various passenger trains as a Waiter in the Dining Car.
WHEREAS, after several years, he moved to Chicago, IL to reside with his uncle Walter McCoy and Aunt Emma McCoy, who resided in the black belt of Chicago's South Side.
WHEREAS, through a friend's introduction to Miss Elizabeth Guyton, they became united in holy matrimony on January 10, 1943. During the early years of their marriage, they resided with Elizabeth's aunt and uncle, Frank and Mae Howell, who owned the exclusive Mae's Dress Shoppe.
WHEREAS, shortly after Allen's marriage to Elizabeth, he served in the United States in Army from 1943 until 1945 and achieved the rank of Corporal. Allen served during World War II in countries such as North Africa and Italy. At the end of the war, he returned home to his wife Elizabeth, and was able to continue his employment as a waiter on the I.C. Railroad with his seniority intact upon his return.
WHEREAS, because of his seniority, he was able to obtain a position on one ofthe most popular and most luxurious passenger trains in American railroad history - The Panama Limited Illinois Central Passenger train - which ran from Chicago, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Allen and the love of life, Elizabeth, began their family with the birth of their first child Alana Rene in 1946, followed by Allen "Chubby" Jr. in 1952, and then Dwain in 1956. In total, their family consists of three children, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
WHEREAS, Allen and Elizabeth set up their family residence in Chatham at 7611 S. Wabash in 1953. As they were of the Catholic faith, they became parishioners and joined St. Dorothy Church and Schools; but the Singletons had to deal with racial discrimination in the area at that time. Being members at St. Dorothy did not come easy due to this discrimination within the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago; however, the Singletons and their dearest friends, the Ashley family, were the first families to break the color barrier in that parish.
WHEREAS, as an addition to provide for his family, Allen was able to obtain employment at St. Pius Parish in the Custodial sector to provide a private education for his three children.
WHEREAS, Allen and Elizabeth loved to travel, and their favorite place was Las Vegas, Nevada. They were both members ofthe Saturday Night Couples Club, as well as active Block Club members.
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WHEREAS, his marriage to Elizabeth lasted for 75 years. We are all blessed to have Allen as our father, and he was also a father to extended friends of our family. As such, he will always be loved.
NOW THEREFORE:
Alderman Leslie A. Hairston, 5th Ward
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BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this 24th day of February, 2021, do hereby honor the life and community service of Allen Singleton.