Delores McPherson

Life Reflections Delores McPherson was born to Mamie Ruth Lawson and Raymond Hatchett (Sharrieff) on August 7, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the only child born into that union. Delores was raised in a loving home by her grandparents, Homer and Carrie Lou Lawson, living in Chicago until 2015, when she moved to Sunrise, Florida. Delores departed this life unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in Plantation, Florida. Early years Affectionately known as “Dee,” Delores spent her early childhood in the Grand Boulevard neighborhood on 42nd and Michigan Avenue. In the early 1950’s she moved with her grandparents to Altgeld Gardens, a housing development in the South Deering neighborhood of Chicago built to satisfy the need for housing for African American veterans returning from World War II in the 1940s. She had fond memories of life in “The Gardens,” where she created lasting memories and made lifelong friends. The family moved to the Englewood neighborhood on 63rd and Racine several years later during her middle childhood and adolescence. She had a happy childhood and had the good fortune to spend time with both of her parents during her upbringing, developing rich family and cultural experiences. Her dear friends Sydell (“Dee Dee”), Mary, and Jackie were some of her closest childhood friends and remain so today. She would fondly recount memories of cherished times spent growing up, never with a shortage of fun stories about life in Chicago with her siblings and cousins. Although they were first cousins, Delores lovingly considered Gregory “Butch” Lawson, Godfrey “Duke” Lawson, Felonise “Cookie” Cherry (Lawson), Fabian Lawson, and Gordon “Randy” Lawson her brothers and sister. Delores accepted Christ at an early age and was raised Catholic. She spent much time attending Liberty Baptist Church with her grandparents and her mother during her upbringing, which at the time was under the leadership of Dr. A.P. Jackson. Education & Work Experience Delores was educated in the public school system of Chicago. She graduated from Westcott Vocational High School (now known as Simeon Vocational High School) in Chatham. Delores’ first job was as a Medical Records Clerk at Illinois Research Hospital (currently known as the University of Illinois at Chicago). She took business courses and gained administrative certificates, ultimately working for Northern Trust Bank in securities and in accounting departments in retail for Helix Ltd. in the Chicago area until her retirement. Marriage & Family Life In April 1969, Delores married William “Mac” McPherson. To that union, she had two children: Tremayne Louis and Shvawn Irita. Delores was a devoted wife. She ensured that William had his meals and that their home had every necessity. Delores was a loving and dedicated mother to her children. From early memories of elementary school PTA and school activity involvement to ensuring that she was present at Little League baseball games and Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts activities, she was an involved mother and made sure her children knew she was there to support them. Nothing made her happier than to know that both of her children found loving and supportive spouses. She had strong support and built lasting friendships with her 90th and Essex Avenue family in the Calumet Heights neighborhood. Her closest bonds were with Mrs. Val Thomas, Mrs. Gracie Brown, Mrs. Jean Cobbs, Mrs. Vivian Peters, and Mrs. Jean Simmons. She was dedicated to family, cherishing moments to gather together to talk, reminisce, and her absolute favorite pastime, dance. She made friends most places she went, building a mini-community of friends in her new home in Sunrise, FL. She loved her grandsons and bragged about them often. One factor in her decision to move to Florida was to be closer to them. During her seven years in Florida, she attended games, school programs, graduations, and special occasions with them and loved every moment. Delores was often one of the most enthusiastic spectators at basketball and football games. Additionally, she frequently celebrated the academic accomplishments of her grandsons, encouraging them to continue to push for success. A loving mother, doting grandmother, the steadfast matriarch of the Chicago Lawsons, and supportive friend to many, she would often call family and friends to check in and did not miss an opportunity to cook for (by the way, the best lemon whipped cream cheesecake in the city) and attend all family gatherings. She often was the life of the party, always willing to show off her “Chicago Steppin” skills. Delores celebrated her 80th birthday this past August with friends and close family. She often reflected on what a joyous occasion it was for her and how much she treasured seeing old friends and sharing the surprise celebration with family. Preceded in death by her parents Mamie Ruth Lawson and Raymond Hatchett (Sharrieff), Delores will be greatly missed by friends and family. She leaves to cherish: her husband of 53 years, William McPherson; two children, Tremayne (Cheryl) McPherson and Shvawn (Robert) Baker; three grandsons that she took so much pride in, Robert Louis, Ryan McPherson, and Riley Nathaniel; two sisters, Zainab and Aleatha Sharrieff; and a host of very special relatives and dear friends.

Delores McPherson

August 7, 1942 - November 1, 2022