Ms. Rosalind Yvette Zanders-Lowry

Ms. Rosalind Yvette Zanders-Lowry, 78, passed away at 10:44 am on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her family. Rosalind was born on September 12, 1946 in Peoria, IL to Roy and Eula (Smith) Zanders. Rosalind was a Graduate of Manual High School and earned her bachelor’s degree at Bradley University, Peoria, IL. Rosalind served the Peoria Community, working at Caterpillar for Forty-years until her retirement. She closed that door but never stopped working for the community and church she loved. Rosalind was a Golden member (50+ years) with honorable service to her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 1968, she became a Charter member of the Epsilon Eta undergraduate chapter while at Bradley University. She later served as Chapter President, Chaplain, Protocol advisor and has held other offices within the Nu Pi Omega Graduate Chapter. She also held the auspicious position with the Sorority’s Central Regional Office as Cluster Coordinator. Rosalind was a faithful member of Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship Church where she served as Board President of the Jobs Partnership, Minister of the church and was active in the Women’s ministry and Teaching ministry. She had been a member from the beginning with Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship since its conception when Christian Family Center co-merged with Grace Community International. Rosalind was a dedicated and revered member of the Peoria Tri-County Urban League. She was the beloved Coordinator for the Middle School Today's Scientists Technicians and Managers (TSTM) Program and continued to serve in this capacity long after her children had matriculated through the program. Rosalind was the first to implement the overnight excursions for students. They travelled to visit Historically Black Universities and Museums. She was Middle School TSTM overseer of the scholarship committee as well. Those excursions positively impacted the futures of those students, leading them to build paths to prosperous lives. She was also past parent president of the High School TSTM Program. Additionally, she served our community in many capacities through organizations such as CAAR (Concerned African American Retirees), Carver Center Board of Directors, Jack & Jill Peoria, Heritage Ensemble, Hope Renewed, Elite Community Outreach and many others throughout the years. In recognition of her service, she was inducted to the Peoria African American Hall of Fame. Rosalind deeply loved her family and was a doting grandmother. She leaves to cherish her precious memory one son, Ryan (Dr. Yolanda) Lowry of Peoria, IL; one daughter, Lariya Lowry of Durham, NC; one sister, Dorothy Mooney of Kansas City, KS; five grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, friends and her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., sisters who also loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ezra Smith. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Mt. Zion M.B. Church with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 10 am. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will render a tribute ritual at 10:45 am. Rev. Dr. Matthew Mitchell is the host pastor and Pastor Tony Pierce of Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship Church will officiate. Rosalind will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Ms. Rosalind Yvette Zanders-Lowry

September 12, 1946 - March 5, 2025