Hazelle Vivian Beasley Halliburton...truly one of a kind!! She lived a full and amazing life for 93+ years and gave so much to her 4 children and many others.  

FIRST ACT - Born in Memphis TN in 1919 - Raised 4 children as a single mother on Chicago's South Side - all college graduates, 3 with Master's Degrees. - Operated Halliburton's Bridals, the first African American business on downtown State Street in Chicago - Designed and made the gown for Miss Illinois - entrant into the Miss America pageant - Taught modeling and charm classes, sponsored talent shows and fashion shows for young women - Radio Program on WBEE Radio - Wrote a column for the Chicago Defender Newspaper.

SECOND ACT - Upon graduation of her youngest from high school, embarked upon another career - journalism, moving to Mexico and writing for a publication - Travelled throughout Europe - Travelled to China and Japan as Publicist for Dr. Alvenia Fulton, African American Holistic Nutritionist who served as mentor for Dick Gregory & his diet. - Acquired her degree from Northeastern Illinois University - Taught writing classes in several Chicago area colleges - Developed several budding writers - Served as mentor for Mark Allen Boone, author, who has several novels to his credit and is a publisher.   

THIRD ACT - Operated an African American History phone hotline, which daily highlighted achievements of African Americans - Directed a Reading Center as a project in one of the Chicago Aldermanic Wards - providing literacy and tutoring for under-served children. - While semi-retired worked for a major skin-care company, and lead a sales team, earning a free automobile at age 80! - Co-founded a local branch of the League of Women Voters to encourage participation of her community in local elections - Appointed Commissioner by Mayor Welch of Country Club Hills - In 2008 at age 89, and though not as active as previously, and not one to watch TV (she preferred Scrabble), Mrs. Halliburton set appointments to watch the televised debates and progress of Presidential candidate Barack Obama (whom she predicted early would win!!) and made sure that her daughter, Michele, obtained an absentee ballot for her to vote in that historic election. 

FINALE - In 2012 at age 93, Mrs. Halliburton again completed her absentee ballot for President Barack Obama, but viewed the results from Heaven rather than with us all. Our mom loved unconditionally her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She instilled in us all her profound faith in God, a thirst for education and curiosity about the world. We also grew up with her drive and encouragement that we could accomplish anything that we desired and were willing to work for, a sense of pride as African Americans in our community, our African heritage, and for this country. Education was paramount, accomplishment was expected, and giving back to others as well as seeking justice was the cost to be paid for our blessings.

While you are here, please visit the Memorial page of Hazelle Vivian's beautiful daughter, Judith Halliburton Zavige. They are Together Forever in Heaven. https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/judith-halliburton-zavige/5686