Willie Mae James Leake facts for kids

Willie Mae James Leake (born March 13, 1932 – died August 28, 1997) was an American politician from Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Republican Party. From 1986 to 1991, she served as the mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania.

Willie Mae James Leake made history in Chester. She was the first woman to be mayor of the city. She was also the first African-American mayor of Chester. Before becoming mayor, she was the first woman to join the Chester city council.

Early Life and Learning

Willie Mae James Leake was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She finished high school with high marks from Simon Gratz High School in 1950. After that, she studied at the Eckles College of Mortuary Science. She graduated from there in 1952. Mortuary science is the study of preparing bodies for burial.

Her Amazing Career

Willie Mae Leake moved to Chester in 1951. She started working at the Lewis M. Hunt Funeral Home. A funeral home is a business that helps families when someone dies.

Starting Her Own Business

In 1959, she opened her own business. It was called the W.M. Leake Funeral Home. It was located on Third and Broomall Streets in Chester. Later, in May 1972, she moved her business to a new spot. The funeral home was later bought by another company in 2007.

Getting Involved in City Politics

In 1968, Willie Mae Leake got her first job at city hall. She worked as a receptionist for Mayor John H. Nacrelli. She became very interested in politics. She learned a lot by working as a poll watcher. A poll watcher helps make sure elections are fair.

She was chosen to be on the Chester Upland school board. A school board makes important decisions about local schools. In 1977, she was elected to a seat on the board. She kept working at city hall. In 1979, she became an assistant to the mayor, Joseph F. Battle Jr..

In 1982, she was named the city treasurer. This meant she helped manage the city's money. In 1983, she made history again. She was the first woman ever elected to the city council. She also worked for the Republican Party in Pennsylvania.

Becoming Mayor of Chester

Willie Mae Leake was a member of the Chester City Council from 1984 to 1986. She was chosen by everyone on the council to finish the term of Mayor Joseph F. Battle Jr.. He left office after he was elected county sheriff.

Willie Mae Leake served as the mayor of Chester from 1986 to 1991. She was a very important leader for the city. In 1992, she ran for mayor again but lost the election. Barbara Bohannan-Sheppard, a Democrat, became the new mayor.

Her Personal Life

Willie Mae Leake passed away on August 28, 1997. She died from cancer at her home. She is buried at Haven Memorial Cemetery in Aston, Pennsylvania.

See also

• List of mayors of Chester, Pennsylvania