Loretta Young-Ige

Loretta Young-Ige was born on April 1, 1961, the fourth child of Clay Young Jr. and Katherine Young. A woman of deep and abiding faith, her relationship with God was steadfast and unwavering. Her spiritual foundation guided the way she lived, loved, and nurtured those around her throughout her life.

Loretta graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1979 with a focus in Business Education. She began her studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1980, where she became proud members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Loretta was initiated into the organization on April 10, 1982.

She later stepped away from school to welcome her firstborn daughter, Ieisha Young, with Samuel Moori-EL. Determined to continue her education, Loretta returned to SIU in 1990 and graduated in 1993 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. On May 15, 1993, the same day she received her degree, she married Elijah B. Ige. Together, they share a son, Elijah R. Ige.

Loretta moved back to Chicago and began her teaching career at Bernard Gentry Elementary School. She later transitioned to youth services, working with troubled teens at Lawrence Hall, before returning to education at UCAN, where she served as a vocational teacher supporting students who had experienced early-life trauma. After retiring from teaching, she dedicated her time to working with senior citizens with disabilities, where she concluded her professional journey.

Loretta was known for her vibrant spirit, joyful heart, and unforgettable sense of humor. She loved to laugh, to dance, and to celebrate life’s moments - big and small. A true humanitarian, she dedicated her life to caring for others, especially children, individuals with disabilities, and those in need. Her generosity, kindness, and radiant presence left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her.

She faced her health challenges with courage and grace, and peacefully transitioned on November 19, 2025 at 12:31 PM, surrounded by family and friends.

Loretta is preceded in death by: Her beloved mother, Katherine Young; her brothers, Albert Young and Herman Young; and her nephews, Willie “Cool” Sutton, Roderick Young, and Derrick “Heavy” Harris.

She is lovingly survived by: Her father, Clay Young Jr.; her children, Ieisha Young and Elijah R. Ige; her daughter in Spirit, Jamillah Mason; her grandchildren, Josiah Smith and Joshua Smith; and her grand-children in Spirit, Zamaria Ruffin, Jayden Ruffin, and Jordyn Billingsley. She also leaves behind: Her devoted companion, Curtis Beasley; her sisters, Dyann King, Olivia Young, Eunice Young and Katrina Young; her brothers, Kenny Robertson, Marvin Young, and Montreal Young; along with a host of nieces including Tameka Young-Hooper, Kimyada Young, Sherisha Young, Latoya and Latanya Davis, Kimesia Gooden, Sylviette Young, Samantha Wright, Crystal Foster-Young, Kathy Young, Bianca Young, Alicia Young, Dajah Young, and Miley Young; nephews, Eddie Young, Brannon Young, Dederick McKinney, Allen Young, Martice Young, Solomon King, Marcus Young and a host of cousins, and dear friends.

Loretta’s life was a gift, a song of joy, a testimony of faith, a story of compassion, and a legacy of love that will forever bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.