Althea (Alethea) Clegg

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Althea (Alethea) Clegg, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many, who left this world on May 29, 2026, at the age of 70. Born in Chicago on June 18, 1955, Althea's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and boundless energy, woven together by her deep connections with family and friends. Althea was the cherished daughter of Alfreda Holland and Charles Brown, and the loving granddaughter of the late Alberta Barton. Her father, Charles Brown, preceded her in death, leaving her mother and stepfather, Alfreda and Willie Lipsey, to carry forward her memory alongside her siblings, Danita Brown and Willie (Patricia) Lipsey. In 1955, the world was graced with Althea's presence, and over the decades, she became a beacon of joy and affection. Her marriage to Tony Clegg was a testament to enduring love, and together they nurtured a beautiful family, including daughters Lakeisha Brown, Roslynn Brown-Strozier (Chantel Strozier), Charisse Brooks, Tasana Brooks, and Toni Marie Adams, as well as sons Joseph Harris and Bernard Brown. Althea's heart was expansive, filled with love for her 12 grandchildren—Jabari Howard, Jamal Thomas, Nathaniel Corkery, Josiah Harris, Charles Harris, Kemel Brown, Kamari Thomas, Ja'Tavia Waller, Keevon Brown, Braelynn Hall-Brown, Brayden Brown—and her great-grandchildren Jamila Thomas, Zandra Howard, JaMiya Thomas, and Baby J on the way. Her legacy lives on through them, as does her infectious spirit and joie de vivre. Her professional life was dedicated to medical records, where she spent many years contributing to the well-being of others. A pillar of her community, Althea was a devoted member of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church, where her faith and fellowship enriched the lives of those around her. Althea was known for her vibrant personality, her love for thrift store shopping, her passion for stepping, and her ability to bring people together. Her home was a sanctuary of laughter and warmth, filled with the joy of mingling with family and friends. She was renowned as a fashionista, with an eye for style that was uniquely her own. Her family remembers her as funny, outgoing, and outspoken—a true life of the party. She had a gift for making everyone feel embraced and valued, offering hugs and kisses even to those she had just met. A celebration of Althea's life will be held on June 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Gatlin's Funeral Home in South Holland. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at MT Hope Cemetery. Her family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory and legacy. In these moments of sorrow, the family finds solace in the love she shared and the memories that will forever be cherished. Althea's spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her. Althea Clegg's life was a beautiful journey, and while she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. In her memory, let us continue to share the love and laughter she so freely gave.