Vina Elreah Sisney

Vina Elrean Sisney (a.k.a Rean) was born on January 28, 1946, in Mt. Herman, Louisiana, and moved to Chicago, Illinois, at the age of two. She was born to John Henry Martin and Bernice Martin, who preceded her in death. She was the second eldest of nine children. Her sister, Gearlean Dawkins, and brother, Marlon “Champ” Martin, both preceded her in death. Vina gave her life to Christ at a young age while attending St. Lawrence Church of God in Christ. She graduated from Hyde Park High School and enrolled in Early Childhood Development classes at Kennedy King Junior College and obtained an associate’s degree. Vina treasured and valued education and returned to college at the age of 50 to obtain a four-year degree. In 1998, at the age of 52, Vina graduated with honors from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts. At the age of 16, Vina met the love of her life, Elisha Sisney, and later married on January 17, 1965. From this union, four children, one girl and three boys, were born. In 2006, their eldest son, Elisha DeLon Sisney, preceded her in death. In 2004, after Elisha’s retirement, the two of them relocated to Clinton, Mississippi, where they resided for 17 years. While in Clinton, Vina was befriended by many and gained new “sisterfriends.” She faithfully attended church, Sunday School, and weekly Bible study classes. On March 21, 2005, Vina began her second career at Jackson Heart Study in Jackson, Mississippi, and retired on February 28, 2017. During her tenure, she acquired many lifelong “special co-worker friends” who affectionately referred to her as “Ms. Vina.” In June 2021, Elisha and Vina returned to Chicago to spend their remaining years with their children, grandchildren, and greatgranddaughter. Time spent with them filled her heart with bliss. Vina was constantly reminded that she was loved. In November 2021, her and Elisha were honored as the parents and elders of their clan and thanked for their decades of love, support, sacrifice, and life lessons. Vina was given her flowers while alive and still able to smell them. Vina was loving, personable, kindhearted, and enjoyed laughter filled gatherings with her family and friends. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic member of a weekly Sunday School class where she served as a facilitator and teacher. She was also a FAITHFUL Wednesday night prayer warrior in her weekly Women’s Prayer Group. Vina was undeniably a woman of faith and a true believer. She wholeheartedly loved the Lord! On July 8, 2022, at 12:19 p.m., she departed this earthly world while in praise and worship. Vina leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Valencia L. Ahmad (Kwame Burton) of Chicago, Illinois; two sons, Keith L. Sisney (Mona Davis) of Chicago, Illinois, and Kevin L. Sisney of Dayton, Ohio; grandchildren, Jakirria Cokley of Carbondale, Illinois, Jevohn Sisney of Madison, Wisconsin, Kina Sisney of Chicago, Illinois, Kristopher Sisney of Denver, Colorado, Lauren Sisney of Chicago, Illinois, Kaelin Sisney of Texas, Dezmenn DeLon Sisney of Dayton, Ohio, and Dason Elijah Sisney of Dayton Ohio; one great-granddaughter, Zenaya Cokley; four sisters, Mildred “Millie” Strickland of Mt. Herman, Louisiana, JoeAnn Coleman of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Darlene (Mitch) Bellard of Spring, Texas, and Arlene Martin of Atlanta, Georgia; two adopted brothers/ nephews, Timus Q. Martin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Cortez Martin of Chicago, Illinois; one aunt, Georgia Lee Williams of Roseland, Louisiana; three godchildren; a special grandgodchild; a great-grandgodchild; special “sister-friends,” special co-worker friends; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives

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