Lorraine Morton, Longest Serving Mayor Of Evanston, Dies At 99

EVANSTON, IL — Lorraine Hairston Morton, the pioneering former mayor of Evanston, died Saturday, three months before her 100th birthday. She passed away at home surrounded by family, her family announced. Morton was born Dec. 8, 1918 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1953, she became the first black teacher in largely segregated Evanston. She taught at Foster, Nichols and Chute middle schools before becoming principal of the integrated Haven Middle School through the 1960s and 70s.

In the early 1980s, Jay Lytle, the mayor at the time, suggested she fill an unexpired term as alderman for the 5th Ward. Morton spent nine years on the council.

When Mayor Joan Barr decided to step down in 1992, Morton told Patch in 2013, she was urged to run for mayor by many people, including former students.

Morton was elected mayor in 1993 by a 52-43 vote in a runoff election against 8th Ward Ald. Ann Rainey, who had the most votes in the first round.

"First of all, I think my victory shows that this town will support a person without regard to race or sex," Morton said after her election, according to the Chicago Tribune. "My immediate response will be to set a tone that will bring people together." She would go on to serve 16 years in office and see the city's civic center bear her name.

Mayor Steve Hagerty said Morton was a remarkable woman who was a teacher, mentor and a friend to many people.

"Her life was a life worthwhile and our community is so fortunate to have had her nearly 100 years of wisdom, inspiration, and optimism shared with us so genuinely and generously," he said in a social media post. "You will be missed and always remembered."

In lieu of flowers, Morton's daughter suggested an act of kindness for someone and a charitable donation. Plans for a memorial service are forthcoming.

A documentary film produced by Dino Robinson and the Shorefront Legacy Center, which collects, preserves and educates people about black history on the North Shore, called "Lorraine H. Morton: A Life Worthwhile" premiered in June. Its next screening is 9:05 a.m. on Sept. 15 at the Oak Park Public Library.

"I didn't allow anybody to call me a politician, I call myself and I still call myself a public servant," Morton says in the film. "Only a life of service is a life worthwhile."

UPDATE: Funeral Services Set For Former Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton