Ms. Ossie Lee Bryson

Mrs. Ossie Lee Bryson, 85, of Peoria, IL was called home by her Heavenly Father from Labor to Reward on the 20th of February 2025 at her home. Ossie was born on July 12, 1939, to the late Frisco and Maggie Hill in Centreville, Alabama. Ossie was raised in Brent, Alabama along with her 4 brothers and 9 sisters. She relocated to Peoria, Illinois with her older sister, working as the Laundry Room Manager at the Pere Marquette Hotel. She was married to Emmitt Smallwood Bryson on June 6, 1969, he preceded her in death in 1996. She had three daughters, one stepdaughter, one son, and one stepson. Ossie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. Ossie demonstrated her love for the Lord and lived her life as a Christian. After moving to Peoria, Illinois she joined Mount Zion Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for over 60 years. She was a member of the Usher Board and the Mother’s Board. She served as the Chief Usher for most of that time. Her passion in life was being outside tending to her garden and flowers. Ossie loved her family dearly and was devoted to them. She loved cooking for her family. Ossie was also preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Veola Jackson, Clara Sue Leverette, Brenda Russell, and Bertha Hill, as well as brothers Jesse Hill and Richard Hill; her stepson, Emmitt Bryson Jr., and stepdaughter, Lita Bryson. Surviving are her children, Patricia (Daniel) Austin, Killen, TX, Peggy Ann Bradley, Centreville, AL., Timothy (Angela) Hill, Midland, GA and Wanda Bryson Miles, Peoria, IL. Her surviving siblings are Rosa Chism, Rosie Dean Wilkerson, Nancy James, Gloria (Tracy) Sanders, Ollie Kesler, Bobbie (Leonard) Ward, Frisco Hill Jr, and James Hill: eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great child and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mount Zion Baptist Church Usher Board for the United Usher Board Scholarship Fund. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Mt. Zion M.B. Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Matthew Mitchell will officiate. Ossie will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Ms. Ossie Lee Bryson

July 12, 1939 - February 20, 2025