Mrs. Gloria Jean (Williams) Pollard

Mrs. Gloria Jean (Williams) Pollard, 86, transitioned to her heavenly home at 1:41 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at her residence. Gloria was born on September 28, 1936 in Sequin, TX to Melvin, Sr., and Ethel Mae (Priestley) Williams. She married Albert “Al” Smith Pollard in Peoria, IL. Gloria was a very sweet person. She was a homemaker and a housekeeper for many families in her community. She was a mother to many and without hesitation assisted those in need, while also creating employment for the less fortunate. Gloria loved for her son to take her fishing though she would never go on his boat, but enjoyed bank fishing. She also loved when he went rabbit hunting and brought back rabbits for her to cook rabbit, rice, biscuits and gravy. Gloria was an avid bowler. She was a member of the “Hims and Fems” Bowling League at Town and Country Bowling Alley and many other leagues at Landmark Recreation Bowling Center. She was a member of the Tops weight loss club. She loved to bake cakes, watch soap operas and game shows on television. Gloria was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. She went to their games every summer and even got to be a spectator at the new stadium. She was a long-time and faithful member of Peoria Friendship M.B. Church where she served in the culinary ministry. Gloria leaves to cherish her most precious memories, her son, Martin “Ray” Williams, Sr.; and one daughter, Natasha (Tobias) Seiber both of Peoria, IL; one sister, Mary Ann Pete of Austin, TX; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; sixteen great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Al Pollard; one daughter, Ruthie Flatt Willis; four brothers, James Williams, Roosevelt Williams, Charles Williams and Albert Melvin Williams; five sisters, Vera Faye Sinegal, Sally Williams, Maxine Trask, Linda Young and Idea Mae Tena; great grandson, Amarion Simmons and great granddaughter, Ciara Wallace. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Peoria Friendship M.B. Church, with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 10:00 am. Pastor Claude Russell, Sr. will officiate. Gloria will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Gloria Jean (Williams) Pollard

September 28, 1936 - July 5, 2023