Ms. Carole Jean Malone was born on Wednesday, January 21, 1948. She was the seventh child born to the union of Louis Malone Sr. and Mattie Bolden Malone in People’s Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Carole was reared in a Christian home. Her mother, Mattie, put high importance on her children studying the scriptures, learning Bible verses, and regularly attending church. At an early age, she was baptized and became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church which was under the leadership of Reverend John Deshields. Carole served in various roles in the church: choir member, Sunday School Teacher, as well as, being the director of the John DeShields-Fred Smith Scholar ship Program for many years.

Carole attended Washington Elementary School, Hughes-Quinn Jr. High School, and Lin coln Sr. High School in East St. Louis, IL. During her time at Hughes-Quinn and Lincoln High, she participated in the school band and took great pride in playing her cornet. Carole was a Lin coln Sr. High School graduate in the Class of 1965.

Upon graduation from Lincoln Sr. High School, Carole attended Southern Illinois University at the Regional Campus. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in 1970. She also received her teacher certification. During this time, Carole became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She received the Student Award for Outstanding Achievement from the American Institute of Planners in 1975 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. In 1977, she attained her Master of Science de

gree in Urban and Regional Planning. Carole was also a licensed realtor and notary public. After obtaining her college education, Carole embarked upon a career as a City Planner in the Urban Renewal Department for the City of East Saint Louis, IL. She acquired numerous job titles and eventually moved into a supervisory position. Carole’s tenure with the City of East St. Louis was over 30 years. Later in life, she served as a classroom teacher in the East St. Louis and Brooklyn School districts.

In 1993, Carole willingly accepted her most cherished role as the adoptive mother to her niece, Stacey. She put her entire heart into ensuring Stacey was showered with love and stayed fo cused on her studies. Carole felt rewarded by the amazing bond they shared as she watched Stacey develop into a productive and confident young woman.

Carole was extremely intelligent and family oriented. She enjoyed socializing with family during small gatherings and large reunions, shopping on QVC, playing Scrabble, and cooking. In her early years, she attended numerous events with her sorority. During the holidays, the Malone family eagerly awaited her turkey and dressing, ham, and macaroni and cheese.

Carole Jean Malone departed this life on Monday, August 8, 2022. Her beloved sister, Pa tricia; three brothers, Louis, Charles, James, and Richard; and one nephew, Tony Malone, all pre ceded her in death.

Leaving to cherish her memory are: her adopted daughter (niece), Stacey Malone McLean; grandson, Zayden McLean; son-in-law, Victor McLean; four sisters, Mary Blackburn (Charles), Ruth Carr Townsend, Valerie Malone, and Cheri Malone-Gaston; two brothers, Paul Malone (Elizabeth) and Michael Malone; life-long friends, Romella Cross, Martha Edwards, Delora Smith, and Regina Wakefield; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family of Carole Jean Malone would like to express our sincere appreciation for the heartfelt prayers, telephone calls, visits, and other expressions of sympathy showered on us during our bereavement. May God’s’ blessings continue to fall upon each of you.