Alcee L. Bourn

OBITUARY OF ALCEE L. BOURN Alcee Louis Elliot Bourn was born Nov. 28, 1938 in Hattiesburg, Miss., to the late B.F. and Arlena (Otis) Bourn. Alcee departed his earthly home on Nov. 11, 2017 with his wife and daughter at his side. At an early age, he joined the Priest Creek Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated in 1957 from Royal Street High School in Hattiesburg, Miss. He continued his education at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and history. Alcee earned a master's degree from the City College of New York, and completed his doctoral studies at The New School of New York City. Alcee, like his father, was active in the Civil Rights Movement. While at Central State, Alcee participated in sit-ins to integrate the lunch counters in Xenia, Ohio and was once jailed for his beliefs. In the early sixties while working for the City of New York, Department of Social Welfare and studying for his master's degree, Alcee was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Army Intelligence Services. He returned to New York two years later to once again work for the social welfare department. Over the course of his 30-year career, he worked for various departments within the city and retired as Supervisor of the New York City Department of Probation. Passionate about youth and wanting them to have a real second chance, Alcee strongly advocated for them in the judicial system. Alcee enjoyed the quieter things of life like growing his own vegetables, traveling, reading, and collecting African American history books. He loved jazz music of the 1960s and was known to throw a party or two. He was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and became a proud brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on Dec. 9, 1960. He is survived by his loving wife, Cruz Ventura Bourn and beloved daughter, Elaan Bourn. In addition, he is survived by one sister, Helen T. Bourn of Charlotte, N.C.; and two brothers, Rayford (Alberta) Bourn of Hoover, Ala.; and Wilmer H. Bourn of Charlotte, N.C. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his sister Charlene B. Owens, and brothers B.F. Bourn, Jr., Booker T. Bourn, and Jewel E. Bourn. Family hour will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16. The service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at Hungerford & Clark Inc. Funeral Home's chapel, 110 Pine Street, Freeport, N.Y. 11520. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park.

Alcee L. Bourn

November 11, 2017