Mr. Merian "Jack" Leroy Smith

Mr. Merian “Jack” Leroy Smith, age 15, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 10:11 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Merian was born on December 2, 2006 in Peoria, Illinois. His mother is Mable (King) Ross and his biological parents are Anita Brewer and Adrian Burnside, Sr. Merian was a sophomore at Peoria Central High School where he was a member of the Central Lions Football team. He attended Trewyn Primary School where he participated in the Horseback Riding Program and Sterling Middle School. Merian was a hard worker. He cut grass, shoveled snow and helped neighbors in the community. He was kind hearted, friendly to everyone, loved kids and his dog Myron. Merian was a member of Rising Sun Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor John Gibson, where he served as a Praise Dancer and in the Men’s Choir. Merian leaves to cherish his most precious memories, his mother, Mable Ross; his biological parents, Anita Brewer and Adrian (Bibiana) Burnside, Sr. all of Peoria, IL; ten brothers, Tavier Smith, Rodney Smith, Tramerreon Blake, Aubrian Fisher, Arian Fisher, A’King Fisher, AnDre Fisher, Abri Fisher and Adrian Angelo Burnside all of Peoria, IL and Adrian Burnside, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; nine sisters, Jerri Smith, AniShaun Smith, A’Blessin Fisher, A’Treazure Fisher, A’Royalty Fisher, Amilianna Burnside, Adrianna Burnside and Adria Burnside all of Peoria, IL and Shellie (Roger) Brown of Bartonville, IL; grandparents, Harold “PaPa” (Denise) Smith, Sheilia (Robert) Bryant, Jimmy (Tangie) Burnside and Michael Statam all of Peoria, IL and a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his father, LC Ross, grandmother, Venita “CoCo” Statam and his dog, Myron. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Sovereign Grace M.B. Church with a visitation beginning one hour prior at 9 am. Pastor Alvin Riley, Sr. will officiate. Merian will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Merian "Jack" Leroy Smith

December 2, 2006 - November 9, 2022