David Session
David Henry Session was born on December 5, 1928, in Hemingway, South Carolina. He was the son of Reverend William Lee and Mrs. Hallie Brown Session, and was one of three children born to this union. He attended Chavis schools through the 11th grade, attending Wilson High School in Florence, S.C. for his last year of high school. Following high school graduation, he enrolled at Allen University.
Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was an aircraft engine mechanic and served in the Korean war. Following the Korean War, he was assigned to Chanute Air Force Base, where he attended the Chanute Engine Mechanical School before serving in England for three years. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned medals for Distinguished Service and Good Conduct.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, David returned to Allen College to complete his undergraduate degree. While there, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and met Halestine Jackson, the love of his life. The two were married on December 29, 1954.
A job opportunity moved them to Champaign, Illinois. David worked at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as an instructor. He was promoted through the ranks to Supervisor, Training Specialist and retired as a Training Manager after over thirty years of employment. David also continued his education by attending the University of Illinois and earned a Master's degree in Education.
David was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years, serving in many capacities, including superintendent of the Sunday school for 44 years, member of the trustee and steward boards, pastor’s steward for several of Bethel’s pastors, representative at Fourth Episcopal District Sunday school conventions, and a delegate many times to the North District and Illinois Conference of the AME Church. He is also an avid Bible Study participant and a member of the Men’s Chorus.
David has been involved in a wide array of community activities. He is a former member of the Champaign Human Relations Commission, the Champaign School Board, and the Fair Housing Bureau Citizens Advisory Committee. He has served as a Little League Baseball Coach, Director of the Boards of Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, and Director of the Urban League of Champaign County. In addition, David served as a mentor in the Urbana Schools. He has previously served as a Director on the Board of Credit Union Plus, a member of the Fire and Police Commission and a member of the NAACP. He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
David was married to Halestine Jackson. Together, they had two adult sons, Kendal and Darrel (deceased).
David Session passed away on March 23, 2015. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Halestine, his son, Kendal (Jackie), his sister, Lucille, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.