Celebrating Centenarians
The Village is recognizing its special citizens who have lived a full century.
Do you know someone who has reached 100 years old and should be recognized as one of Oak Park's incredible centenarians? Let's celebrate these individuals who demonstrate extraordinary resilience and learn from their lived histories!
Submit a nomination
Essie Pough
Essie Pough turned 100 years old in February 2026.
Pough was honored with a proclamation at the Feb. 17, 2026 Board Meeting, where she was recognized for an extraordinary life of faith, perseverance and service. Trustees noted her work as a public servant, a gracious matriarch, a dear friend and an active member of the community whose passion for life has touched many. Pough was also acknowledged at the Village’s 4th Annual Black History Month event, “Celebrating 100 Years of Black History,” on Feb. 28, 2026 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association.
Pough was born in rural Mississippi and migrated to Chicago with her husband. Pough raised eight children while working for the State of Illinois for 46 years until her retirement in 2014. She remained committed to service by advocating for causes such as voting rights, civic engagement and youth development. Her family noted that Pough had the privilege and honor of breaking bread with former First Lady Michelle Obama and to cast her vote for Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor and for Barack Obama, the first Black U.S. President - achievements she believed she would never witness in her lifetime.
Pough was an active and dedicated member at United Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago for over 50 years, enjoying the choir and participating in various church activities. She is currently an active member of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park where she adds her beautiful voice to the choir. In 2020, at 94 years old, Pough wrote and recorded her debut song, “Jesus Reigns Forever," earning national spotlight on NBC, CBS and Fox News. She remains active with gardening, bowling and reading her bible.
May her legacy live on through her eight children, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. Congratulations on a life well-lived!