Deacon Gregory Shumpert, 70, died June 4. He was ordained in 1999 and ministered at St. Agatha, St. Martin de Porres and St. Simon of Cyrene parishes.

Born in Chicago, he attended Holy Name Cathedral High School and Loyola University Chicago, as well as studying for the diaconate at the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

For more than three decades, Deacon Shumpert worked at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a mental health counselor and advocate for those in need. He later served in several capacities at Malcolm X College.

In his years as a deacon, he assisted at the altar and offered pastoral care and community outreach. He was active in the Men’s Club, was a lector and choir member, supported Community Renewal Society initiatives and was a board member of the Adult Education Learning Center.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn; his children Ericka Nicole Shumpert-Toliver and Erik Gregory Shumpert; and two grandchildren.