Ms. Barbara Jean Harris

April 1, 1938 - February 16, 2022

Mrs. Barbara Jean Harris, 83, of Peoria, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 10:26 pm on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at UnityPoint Health Methodist Hospital. Barbara was born on May 1, 1938 in Tchula, MS to Mamie Whitaker and T.L. Louis. She was married to Oscar Harris, Sr., for many years until his passing on June 26, 2013. Barbara retired from CILCO after many years of service. Barbara was a past member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She loved gardening and had flowers everywhere. Barbara liked fishing and traveling. She also loved the Christmas Holiday, which was her favorite, because she loved to have all the kids home. Barbara leaves to cherish her most precious memory her four sons, Lionel (Elaine) Sledge, Darrell (Shonda) Sledge, Randy Sledge and LeAndre (Sherry) Sledge; one daughter, Michelle (Fred) Sledge-Bevency; three sisters, Beverly March, Jewel Sanchez and Flora Hopkins; one sister-in-law, Shirley Whitaker all of Peoria, IL; 27 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Oscar “Tommy” Harris, Jr., Rickey Sledge and Timothesis Sledge; one daughter, Charlotte “KK” Harris; one brother, Lionel Whitaker and one sister, Oralee Parr. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Sovereign Grace M.B. Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Alvin Riley, Sr. will officiate. Barbara 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. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, 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!