Mrs. Lela M. Harmon

Lela Mae Jordan-Harmon was born in Birmingham, AL on September 10, 1940, to the late Joseph and Alice Jordan. She was the eldest of two children. Lela departed this earthly life on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, IL.

Lela moved to Evanston, IL at 9 years old. She attended the Evanston Public School Systems where she excelled in pole vaulting. Even though she did not obtain her high school diploma from Evanston Township High School, she prided herself on finishing her education. After taking some time away from school, she was able to obtain her high school diploma from Deerfield High School.

Lela married Carl Harmon Sr. in April of 1959 and with this union they had 4 loving children. Alicia (Cookie), Carlene, Daryl, and Carl, when they were young, Lela would gather the kids, walk to the Davis Street El and ride to the loop for a day of shopping and lunch at Ronnie's Steak House. Lela loved to shop.

Lela enjoyed a career at Ft. Sheridan where she was the head of Personal Actions/Casualty Department. She retired in 1993 before later working at North Chicago High School where she retired again in 2008.

During her career at Ft. Sheridan, Lela met her life partner Willie Collins. Lela and Willie spent 35 long loving years together where they were inseparable until he preceded her in death.

Lela was compassionate, gentle, and loving. Whenever she would have a conversation, she would not only make eye contact with you, but she would exhibit a sense of touch, for example, she would hold your hand. These types of interactions expressed how much she valued the conversation.

Lela enjoyed spending time with her family. She cherished the moments she spent with them. She shared a special bond with in-laws, $0 much During her free time, she would connect with her family and friends via Facebook,

Lela is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, who was more like a mother, Effie Harmon-Dunbar; her brother Joseph Jordan Jr., and children Alicia (Cookie) Harmon-Harrell, Carlene Harmon, and Daryl Harmon.

Lela leaves to cherish one son, Carl (Latoyia) Harmon Jr.; eight grandchildren Jason (Linda) Harrell, Daryl (Dorian) Harmon, Demetrius Vaughn, Phalon (Robert) Foster, Antonio Vaughn, Brittany Watson, DeAndre (Ivannah)

Harmon, and Carl Harmon, Ill; four sisters Vickie Logan, Harriett Dunbar, Flossie Dunbar, Dolores Dunbar and one brother Milton Dunbar; 22 greatgrandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and countless family members that loved Lela dearly.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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