Mrs. Eva Shortridge-Hayes

May 9, 1932 - August 25, 2021

Mrs. Eva Joyce Shortridge Hayes 89 of Peoria, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 2:23 am on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Mother Hayes was born on May 9, 1932 to the proud parents of William and Mrs. Mary (Moss) Shortridge. She grew up in Hartshorne, Oklahoma attended public schools and graduated from Manual Training High School. Mother Hayes joined Morning Star Baptist Church now known as New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church serving on the Mother’s Board with Cleveland Thomas as Pastor; she attended until her health prevented her from attending. Mother Hayes married late in life to Sidney Hayes; he preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Linda Shortridge and Joyce Shortridge; three brothers, Anthony Dennis Shortridge, William Shortridge and Clifford Shortridge; and two sisters Carrie Mildred Taylor and Ellen Nicholson. Mother Hayes worked many years as a clerk for the YWCA pool desk until they closed the pool. She received the most joy being around her family. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving daughter Kay Lee Welch; four sons, Terry Shortridge, Kenneth Shortridge (Tracy) Gregory Johnson (Mauri) and Glen Shortridge all of Peoria, IL; one brother, James Shortridge of Oklahoma City, OK; and a host of grand, great and great-great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 3, 2021 at New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr., will officiate. Eva will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations or memorials may be made in honor of Ms. Eva Shortridge-Hayes at Susan G. Komen or New Morning Star M.B. Church. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and 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. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!