On May 25, Mary Magalene Pullins, one of the oldest Illinois residents, passed away. She was 108.
The South Side resident was born on July 3, 1901 and moved to the city in the early 1930s.
During her 35-year employment at U.S. Steel, Pullins was an active labor union organizer. She was designated a Black “Rosie the Riveter” for her manufacturing work performed during World War II. Mayor Richard M. Daley recently inducted her into the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Pullins was grandmother of the late local radio notable, Richard Pegue Jr., of WVON-AM.
During his historic 2008 election, Barack Obama sent Pullins a signed designation as one of America's oldest voters. She was an active member of a number of civic groups up until her death.
Funerals services for Pullins were held May 27.
She was interred at Lincoln Cemetery in south suburban Alsip.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
