Mrs. Bernice Kelly Burney

March 1, 1947 - November 26, 2020

Mrs. Bernice Kelly Burney, 73, of Peoria, IL departed this earthly life at 12:13 pm on November 26, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones and her special care-givers; Shawntell Kelly, Brooklyn Kelly, Shatona Kelly, Shanea Booker, Ariana Harris and Seberrie Cooper. Bernice was born on March 1, 1947 in a small town called York, Alabama to Annie Mae Person and Nathaniel Drummond. A strong, mighty and petite woman, the youngest girl born out of 11 children was Bernice Burney. She was reared by the late Rev. George and Annie Mae (Pearson) Lobdell. She accepted Christ at an early age and was raised in the church at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She married the love of her life, Willie “BeBop” James Burney on January 25, 2007. He preceded her in death on March 25, 2018. In her earthly life she loved to cook and garden. Her occupation was with her nephew Robert Johnson, Sr., at the Fairfield Field Inn and Suites by Marriott as a breakfast bar host and at Door to Door as a Dispatcher. Her places of employment were always close to her heart because of the service she gave to the many many people she spoke to everyday. As we reflect on her life, she married Marvin Kelly and to that union her oldest child was born, Prophetess Bernita Kelly of Peoria, Illinois. She later she married Willie “BeBop” James Burney and to their union her youngest daughter was born Shawntell Kelly also of Peoria, Illinois. She was always surrounded by her special children; Jaton Watkins, Diane Bond, Nikki Booker, Willie James Booker and Steffan Funches. She was so blessed from her offspring! She also leaves to cherish her memory; 19 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; her brothers and sisters Zola (the late Clyde McCleod), Herman Lee Johnson both of Peoria Illinois, James Buddy (Shirley) Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio, Arthur Lee Drummond of York, Alabama, Johnnie Lee (Jackie) Drummond of Cuba, Alabama, Geraldine McCoy of Livingston, Alabama, Annie Lee Drummond, Delores Drummond and Jessie Mae (Willie)Robinson all of York Alabama; 2 Godchildren, Pat Clark-Irby and Melissa Ross; three special friends, Alisa Stinson, Joyce Ponce and Sandra Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by 8 loving siblings of whom she truly loved and will now be joined with them. Also preceding her in death are 2 daughters, Karen Booker and Angie Bovan; 2 grandchildren, Jamika Booker and Bryson Kelly; 1 great grandchild, DeShawn Clark. A private funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Victory Christian Church with a visitation at 10 am. The Host Pastor is Rev. Charles "Chuck" Brown. Rev. Spencer Gibson will be the eulogist and officiant. Bernice will be laid to rest with her husband Willie at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Monday, December 7, 2020. Simons Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The funeral 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 and attendance limits will be observed. In accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Funerals are limited to 10 family members of the decedents, not including the staff. 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 a 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. The chapel can socially distance and seat no more than 10 or less people. All others will be able to flow through prior to beginning of the service. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!