Mr. Cleveland Thomas Jr.

Bro. Cleveland Thomas, Jr., 48, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 8:13 pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at his residence. Cleveland, also nicknamed “Rooster”, was born on September 17, 1976, in Peoria, IL to the Rev. Dr. Cleveland Thomas, Sr. and Cornelia “Connie” (Jackson) Burnside. He confessed Christ and was baptized at the age of seven. Cleveland was a lifelong member of New Morning Star M. B. Church under the leadership of his father. Cleveland was a graduate of Peoria Central High School class of 1995. He was an outdoorsman and an amazing chef. Cleveland loved camping, fishing, grilling, cooking, swimming, and playing sports with his sons. To know Cleveland was to love him! He had a vibrant and inviting personality and was sure to bring a good laugh whenever he was around. Cleveland loved his family and leaves to cherish his most precious memories, his father, Cleveland, Sr. of Peoria, IL; his mother, Connie (the Rev. Jimmie) Burnside of Peoria, IL and his grandmother, Betty Hill of Peoria, IL. He was a loving and devoted father to his four children, Cierra Thomas, Cleveland “Trey” Thomas, III, Cameron Thomas, and Caliyah Thomas, all of Peoria, IL. Cleveland was the eldest of his siblings and leaves three brothers, Cornelius “Couri” Thomas of Peoria, IL, Joshua (Jewel) Williams of Glenn Heights, TX, and Jamar (Kei ‘Erica) Thomas of Atlanta, GA and his only sister, Clevia (Courtney) Morris of Peoria, IL. He loved and adored his three grandchildren, Cari Thomas, Cashous Thomas, and Milan Thomas, and his high school sweetheart, former wife, and mother of his eldest three children, Ruthie Gatson and Tenisha Carpenter, mother of his youngest daughter both of Peoria, IL. He will remain in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, his Burnside family, his former stepmother, Beverly Thomas; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Cleveland is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rev. Cornelius and Bessie Jackson; paternal grandparents, Gentral Price Thomas, Sr. and Louise Richardson and step grandfather, George Richardson, Sr. Although we mourn Cleveland’s demise, God made the call, and he answered. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation prior at 9 am. Pastor Keith Thomas of First Missionary Baptist Church of Cullen, IL will officiate and Rev. Dr. Craig Smith, Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church, Hillside, IL will bring forth the eulogy. Cleveland will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mr. Cleveland Thomas Jr.

September 17, 1976 - June 7, 2025