April 15,1949 to December 27, 2024
A Life Dedicated to Family and Community
Born and raised in rural Tunica, Mississippi, and known to friends and family as “Pete”, Maurice Hamp graduated from Rosa Fort High School in 1967. He went on to break barriers at “Ole Miss” (the University of Mississippi), where he became the first Black member of the University’s Marching Band and entrant in the school’s prestigious Music Honor Society.
Bringing with him a life-long love of singing and music, Maurice came to Chicago at 24 years old, working multiple positions– at Montgomery Wards, restaurants, and bars. After meeting and hitching his star to Arnie Morton, Chi-Town’s famous restauranteur, Maurice made hospitality his career of choice.
But at 46 years old, Maurice became ill with a circulatory condition that resulted in foot surgery and amputation of a portion of his foot — rendering him unable to carry out work that required standing all day. As a husband to wife Myra, and father to three kids – Myja, Marion and Marcus — he was in a life-altering crisis.
Fortunately for Maurice, he garnered assistance from the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), where he received rehab support and job counseling. He was drawn to the mission of JVS and was hired to be a job counselor in support of persons with disabilities.
Subsequently, Maurice worked at JVS’ sister organization, the EZRA Multi-Service Center in Uptown, near his home, where he worked with returning citizens, persons experiencing long-term unemployment and very low-income individuals for 27 years.
In April, 2013, and thankfully for Voice of the People in Uptown, a friend, recognizing Maurice’s commitment to the community and breadth of skills, reached out to and encouraged Maurice to join Voice’s Board of Directors. He became a trusted leader and President who brought vision, wisdom, and a spirit of collaboration for over a decade.
Maurice received a distinguished “Legacy Leader” Award at Voice’s 2023 Sweet Home Uptown celebration of history and fundraiser.
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His passing on December 27, 2024 coincided with Voice’s greatest accomplishment, the closing and commitment to the rehabilitation of five buildings, with 103 service-enriched, affordable leased homes — the Heart of Uptown Apartments. This project would not have happened, except for his dedicated service as President of the Board from 2018-23.
For details of his funeral services, to read Maurice Hamp’s obituary or to share your own tributes, photos or donation to his cause, visit inclusivefuneralcare.com.
Pictured Above: Maurice, wife Myra and Grandson Eli