ALFRED “BIRD” GILKEY was born on February 11, 1949 in Macon, Mississippi to late Curtis and Rosie Gilkey.  He is preceded in death by his five brothers: Curtis Gilkey Jr., Ernest Gilkey, Essie D. Gilkey, Will Gilkey, Calvin Gilkey and one sister, Elise Spann.

BIRD enjoyed  maintaining his yard and watching his garden flourish. Bird had a secret talent for singing and making everyone laugh. Bird had been employed at  Ball Corporation for 37 years as an oblong  maintenance employee.

BIRD departed this life on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 in Elgin, Illinois.

BIRD  leaves to cherish his loving memories:  Daughters, Jennifer Williams  of Aurora, IL and Jacqui Gilkey-Crenshaw  of Elgin, IL; a son, Jerome Gilkey of Minnesota. Step  children: Ossie Roby, Jr., Cindy Winston and Ann Jhanson. 4 brothers: David, Eisenhower, Flozell Gilkey of Macon, MS and Will Ivy of Elgin, IL. Two sisters, Lascel Shelton of Macon, MS,  and Minnie (Cornell) Jackson of Elgin, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow of losing Alfred “Bird” Gilkey, we can reflect in the many memories to help comfort us. Always willing to lend a helping hand, with a sense of humor to the very end, Bird will be truly missed.

There will be a visitation or BIRD at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home on Friday, May 2, 2014 from 4 pm to 6pm.  There will also be a funeral service on May 3, 2014 at 11am at Progressive Baptist Church in Elgin IL.