June 5, 2015, Alta passed away after a brief illness. She was 87 years old. Daughter of the late Katie Ray, She worked for Chicago Public Schools, taught music for 30 years as well as a few years at Sacred Heart Academy.
She is survived by 8 children, 14 grand-children, 12 great grand-children.
Alta was ordained a Roman Catholic priest Oct. 14, 2009, becoming the first African American female priest in Chicago.
A Mass will be held at Ebenezer Lutheran Church 1650 W. Foster, Chicago on Wednesday at 10am.. Visitation held at Drake and Son Funeral Home 5303 N Western Ave. Chicago, Il 60625 on Tuesday 4-9p