Johnetta Haley
Johnetta Randolph Haley departed this life January 31, 2021 at the age of 97. She was born March 19, 1923 in Alton, Illinois to Willye Smith and John Randolph in Alton, Illinois and was the oldest of four children. She graduated from Lincoln High School in East St. Louis, Illinois, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and obtained a Masters in Music Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus. Mrs. Haley later joined the SIUE Faculty and later became the Director of their East St. Louis Campus. She was a Professor Emeriti. The minority scholarship is named after her, The Johnetta Haley Scholarship Program.
Mrs. Haley is best known for her inspirational, motivating mentorship and supportive spirit shown to everyone she encountered. She was a tireless fighter for civil rights, racial Equity, and a staunch believer in Community Service.
Mrs Haley was a proud 75 year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She served as the National Parliamentarian and the 17th Central Regional Director and was a charter member of Delta Delta Omega and Omicron Theta Omega Chapters and a past President of Gamma Omega Chapter. Mrs. Haley was a Platinum Member of the Links, Incorporated. She served as the National Parliamentarian 2002-2006, and was a charter member of the Gateway Chapter .
She was also a past President of the St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill, Incorporated
Mrs Haley was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, much too many to be listed here. Most recently, she received the Arts and Educations Life Time Achievement Award 2018
, NAACP Life Time Achievement Award 2019, Women in Leadership Award 2010 and Woman of Achievement.
She was the first female President for the Board of Trustees for Lincoln University. She had many first also too many to list.
Mrs. Haley was married to David Haley. Two children were born to this relationship; Karen Louise Haley and Michael David Haley. Her companion for 23 years was Phillip J. Hampton, the love of her life.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Robert, son Michael, and her companion Phillip.
She leaves to mourn her passing a devoted daughter, Karen Douglas; grandson Jonathan Haley Douglas; great-grandson Braylon; two sisters; Mary Mills and Francis Weatherly and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and admirers.
Soror Johnetta was a remarkable lady and mentor to many not just the students she taught. I met and grew to know and love her and her daughter Karen participating as leaders in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Anyone that truly knew her has wonderful recall and several stories that are treasured memories. My prayers and thoughts are with Karen and her son as she has lost her mother, Soror and best friend! We go forward remembering and celebrating this life well lived as her dash left no stone untouched.
She was an inspiration to all that knew her. A guiding light and a beacon of hope. She dressed and spoke to impress. She always was willing to share her wisdom. She taught me so many things, but I think the most important was character and graciousness. She was my second Mother.
I will never forget how Soror Johnetta treated me and made me feel like her “little darling”. That’s what she called me after her huge hug. Because of her and the scholarship that she left in her name at SIUE, I as well as countless other black students were able to continue our education on the campus of Southern IL University Edwardsville. I’m thankful for time with her. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Here’s to the Queen. Whenever I was graced to be in her presence she would hold such regal court. Over the years she has assisted so many people in so many ways. I have this woman to thank for many things. After hearing me sing she recommended me to Director Ralph E. Greene to do a show called Cotton Club. It opened up my world to the theater stage and it is where I met the man who eventually became my husband. Thank you Dr. Johnetta Randolph Haley. Professor, musician, university administrator but most of all friend. I actually met her first at one of my father’s Lincoln High School reunions, where she looked better than all of her students. You are a valued treasure. Rest dear Queen, say hey to your old friend Miles, and enjoy the heavenly music. I will do my best to pay it forward. With fond memories, Mardra
I remember Miss Haley as my music teacher when I was in 7th grade in Kirkwood school district. I was not a great singer but she encouraged and helped me through a rough time and many times over the years her actions and words have helped me and continue to do so
Johnetta was a good friend and role model.I looked forwatd to seeing her each month to see what she waswearing.she was always so stylish.a kind and always bery helpful
She had ookmarks made for my Second Act group when she could not appear to speak.I cannot forget she gave me info about the award in her name at SIUE that my grandson received.I will truly miss my girl. Love to family.Flora Robinson and family.