Resolution Honoring Melva J. Halbert
WHEREAS. It is with great sadness that the members of this Chamber learned of the departure of Melva Jean Halbert, beloved citizen and friend to many; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Michael Scott, Jr., Alderman of the 24th Ward; and
WHEREAS. Born in January of 1935 in Laurel, Mississipi, Melva Jean Halbert was the adored daughter ofthe late Althea McCullom (McGee) and Homer McGee. She received her education in Mississippi before moving to Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Melva met and married the love of her life, L.J. Halbert, on September 11, 1954. To this union, three children were born and L.J. and Melva Halbert were married for 63 beautiful years; and
WHEREAS. Melva began her career as a crossing guard with the Chicago Police Department. Melva then moved to the Chicago Board of Education and worked at various elementary schools and Lakeview High School. She formalized her educational training through the St. Mary?s Teaching College Center for Learning and Malcolm X College. She worked for the Chicago Board of Education for 27 years before retiring from the Board in 1998. In that time, she received several Chicago Board of Education commendations and proclamations for her excellent work serving the children of the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS. Melva was also well regarded and involved in the Austin community. She served as both board member and general member on several community organizations, such as the Menard Block Club, Association for a Better Austin and Menard Avenue Neighborhood Watch Program. Before her illness, she was an active and loyal member of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church participating in the Gospel Choir, Adult Bible Class and other Church ministries; and
WHEREAS, Melva was always viewed as an individual who provided her time, experience, knowledge and loving concern to those who were in need and has always taken the time to impart positive inspiration and advice to those who came to know her. She was also known as one of the great cooks in the family, along with her humor, grace and affable nature, making her endeared by all who knew her; and
WHEREAS, She was preceded in death by her husband, L.J. Halbert; her son. Jerome Halbert (Georgette); one grandchild, Kristen Nicole Halbert: and five siblings, Ora McGavock, Verdell McGee, Grace Pruitt, Eddie McGee and Charles McGee. Melva leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Debra Patrice Elizabeth Halbert Evans (Willard); her son, Michael Anthony Peter Halbert (Victoria); three grandchildren, Patrice Imani Evans, Willard Samuel Evans III and Paris Elizabeth Halbert; four siblings, Leedale McGee, Cozen Quince. Joyce Wilburn and Drucilla Woods; sister-in-law, Dessie Amos; brother-in-law, Charles Halbert, Sr.; and a host of extended relatives and far too many friends to list: now, therefore.
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fifth day of July, 2018, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Melva Jean Halbert.
MICHAEL SCOTT, JR. Alderman, 24lh Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Melva Jean Halbert as a sign of our honor, gratitude and respect.