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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
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Charliemae Towbridge Obituary
Chicago Community Activist and Union Leader, Dies at 85. Charliemae Towbridge, the first African-American female chief clerk of the Cook County Board of Review, died on Sunday, May 10, 2020, in a local rehabilitation facility. She was 85.
Ms. Towbridge began her pioneering civic-oriented career in 1955, serving as precinct captain for the 34th Ward to get out the vote, and later as community and legislative liaison for State Sen. Emil Jones Sr. In 1972, she was elected to represent 1,200 civilian employees of the Chicago Police Department as president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 654.
In 1995, she retired from the Chicago Police Department, but re-emerged to join the Cook County Board of Review as Chief Clerk, where she oversaw the hearing process for real estate properties to ensure fair taxation. She retired again in 2005.
Ms. Towbridge, who was born on Aug. 13, 1934, in Lonoke, Ark., was named in honor of an aunt and uncle by her parents, Clara McKinley and David Leroy Laster, who preceded her in death. She married Warren Towbridge in 1957, whom she later divorced before his death in 2014.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl Price and son-in-law, Walter, Francine Towbridge, Jerry Towbridge and daughter-in-law, Deneen, two granddaughters, Ashley Winston and Brittney Winston, brother, Andre Laster, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A viewing is set for 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2020, at Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th St., Chicago, in groups of 10. Masks are required. Services will also livestream on Facebook from her home church's Facebook page, at Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 11300 S. State St., Chicago.
View obiturary and share memories at www.cbtaylorfuneralhome.com/obituary/charliemae-towbridge.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charliemae Towbridge
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Valerie Marshall
May 24, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing you through Aunt Lafayette. You were royalty to me and always were kind and welcoming. You are an aunt to me and Steve! We love you and miss you! We know there is a party going on in Heaven and that now that you are reunited with Auntie, there is spirited conversation! Thank you for giving us a part of your heart! Love always, Steve & Valerie Marshall
Stephan Gist
May 23, 2020
My Condolences to the Towbridge family
Paula Lee-Rosario
May 23, 2020
You were a blessing to everyone
Bernice Robinson
May 22, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
How you can show support
Pat Crenshaw
May 22, 2020
God Be with you ❤!
Pat & Ca$h
Patricia Crenshaw
May 22, 2020
Charliemae, you made your shout & you sang your songs 'your way'. My August Club Momma, I will always remember the talks we had about everything & everyone. God rest your soul in peace. Love you.
Your Cosmo daughter Pat & Ca$h Crenshaw - Hallelujah!
Lana Bulley
May 22, 2020
Sincere condolences Jerry to you,your sisters and family! I will truly miss your Mother! She was the last one besides myself that set at the roundtable on Sundays after Church in Lafayette's kitchen discussing everything from Church to Politics! They often argued,but we always ended with love! We went on several trips togetherand I thank each everyone of them for showing me how to really enjoy life! I was the youngest of the group and they were like mothers, sisters and great friends to me!
Elaine Williams
May 22, 2020
I had the pleasure to know Ms. Towbridge when I was president of INA now known as ANA-ILLINOIS. I was in and out of Sen. Emil Jones's office or some political function on behalf of Nursing. My condolences to the family for their loss. She was a wonderful person.
David Riley
May 21, 2020
Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Lana Bulley
May 21, 2020
Thanks for the good times we shared together! All the dinners, parties and trips! I love you., But God loved you best!
Diane Rapp
May 21, 2020
Cheryl and family,
May you be blessed with beautiful memories of your beautiful mother. I wish I had the opportunity to meet her. She sounds just wonderful, and she gave so much of herself throughout her life. So many admirable qualities that have been passed on to you and Francine. You are blessed with her faith and passion for life!
Much love and prayers to you!
Diane, Murray and family
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Memorial Events
for Charliemae Towbridge
May
22
Viewing
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Taylor Funeral Home LTD - Chicago63 East 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
Funeral services provided by:
Taylor Funeral Home LTD - Chicago63 East 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
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