From MLKS driver to the community impact: The powerful history of Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chicago

CHICAGO – – Leak and Sons Funeral Homes Chicagoland have been supporting families in their losses for over 90 years.

Apart from their funeral services, they remain deeply obliged to give something back to the community in a way that many people may not recognize.

This month of black history, we are celebrating a family company that has remained a pillar of the community for generations.

A 91-year heritage

The background story:

It all started in 1933.

“My grandmother Dottie Leak has my grandfather, Ar Leak, 500 US sons.

Leak Jr. said that his grandfather later separated from unity and established his own funeral home in the 44th and state.

In 1959 the business moved to 78th and Cottage Grove. After the death of Ar Leak in 1993, Spencer Sr. took over the CEO.

“So we are now 91 years old,” said Leak Jr.

Leak Jr. manages both the days and, often the nights. The funeral home is 24 hours a day every day, year after year.

“It only feels so good that we are so well respected in the community due to this leak name,” said Leak Jr.

Leak Jr., the oldest of Leak Brothers, never had to go to an interview.

“I started working when I was 12 years old and answered the phone and my voice had not changed yet, and they said: 'Hello, Ma'am. I would like to speak to such and so.' And I would say: “I am Spencer Leak Jr.”

Leak Jr. finally acquired his college in dead science and funeral service with his younger brothers Stacy and Steven.

“Essentially I am an expansion of my older brother. I just change things and just make sure that the operations run smoothly,” said Stacy Leak.

“I am the one who heads the actual ceremony and I bring the families to the cemetery,” said Stephen Leak, a licensed funeral company.

That's right – it is a real family business, with dad, mom, a cousin and all brothers who work together.

“Spencer is a hard worker day and night. Stevie, Stacy, hard workers and I love them all,” said Henrietta Leak.

Henrietta has been married to Spencer Sr. for 55 years, but she admits that working with her sons has definitely changed over the years.

“It is quite difficult because my children are grown up and they don't want to listen to me. They tell me what to do. It's kind of difficult, especially with Spencer Jr.,” said Henrietta.

If she puts aside parent stories, she is here every day.

“I call myself the official companion and greeting because I meet the families at the door and before they go out, we are hugging,” said Henrietta. “We just get to know each other, and as soon as they go, they are also part of the family.”

At the request of a family, she will even add her personal note.

“Yes, I do nails. I make make -up. I sometimes make hair. If I have a family that just doesn't like the color of the nails, I just go back immediately. I just want to all if you leave the funeral Home to be satisfied.

Community effects

Grab deeper:

This service and inheritance extend far beyond these walls.

“Regardless of whether it pays for rent or clothing, we give food. We give money for Christmas every year and reduce the costs of funerals,” said Leak Jr.

Ar Leak has even put his name in the mortgages of the church to keep them open, and Leak Sr. still supports the needy.

“My first memories, even as a child, I was traveling with my father and the people just came up to him and thank him and gratefully for him. I never understood it until I got a little older,” said Stacy.

There are articles from the 1960s that emphasize the efforts of AR -Leck and local pastors to ensure that families rest where they wanted to be.

“In 1963, the Oakwoods Cemetery did not allow blacks to be buried or cremated there. They all came together, marched from our funeral company here to the Oakwoods Cemetery. The Oakwoods Cemetery opened its doors for blacks,” said Leak Jr.

They served families they may not know, as well as those who do – like the Chicago Comedian Bernie Mac, the father of black gospel music Thomas Dorsey, and the legendary singer Sam Cooke.

“You see that my father and uncle and my grandfather have removed his remains of O'Hare and bring him back to his chapel with maybe thousands of people on the street, ladies at the front door, I understand that they understand the front door I tried to see Sam Cooke, said Leak Jr.

Leak Sr. also had the honor when driver for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

“In the 1960s, when Dr. King went to every city, especially when he came to Chicago, there were no white limousine companies that Dr. King would offer limousines. The only people who had limousines were black funeral companies whenever He came in O'Hare, it would be my father and grandfather who would meet him in O'Hare and bring him to some place, “said Leak Jr.

A close -meshed family

This story is reflected by the walls of their three locations – Chicago, Country Club Hills and Matteson. But what they don't see is the love that brings the leaks into their work – and together.

“You hear from families who fight. We don't fight. We are a close family. My father, my brothers. My cousin, who is not here, Leon,” said Leak Jr.

“Some people try to get away from their families. I love being with my family. It's certainly a blessing,” said Stephen Leak.

And the community recognized that, generation after the generation.

“I'm on the way and in my black gold, even though I'm a Kappa,” said Leak Jr. “I am in my black and gold and the people say: 'I know who you are. You are Spencer. You are” Re leak guys. It only feels so good that we are very respected in the community. “

They believe that God takes care of them – and even the sign at the door reflects it.

Leak Jr. replaced it years ago, but his father did not like the change.

“He said: 'You have up there that your grandfather founded this burial company in 1933. Your grandfather did not find this burial company. He has a co -founder.' I cost $ 5000, “said Leak Jr.

The next generation

What's next:

Leak & Sons has been devoting herself to the servant of Chicago families – now with the next generation for over 90 years.

“My son is also leaking, so he is there. So this is one of my sons and the other is Carter Spencer, so that her way is unfortunately already selected for her,” said Stacy Leak.

“You can be what you want to be. Fortunately, we give you the opportunity to be what you want to be,” said Stephen Leak.

Lick and sons remain a lasting part of Chicago's history.

“That sounds good, I'm part of the story. Yes,” said Henrietta.

They are grateful to people who have contributed to promoting this family company.

“Thank you for supporting us. We are near 91 years old. My husband is now 88 years old and I am older,” said Henrietta.

“I would not be here without you. I am so grateful to everyone in the city and the suburbs who have trusted the leak family for the time being. We appreciate them so much,” said Leak Jr.

The fourth generation is currently in college, so the time will be communicated who joins her father and grandparents in the family business.

Special reporting monthly