Mr. Johnnie Lee "Johnnie Wine" Higgins Jr.

May 25, 1955 - May 29, 2017

Mr. Johnnie “Johnnie Wine” Lee Higgins, Jr., 62 of Peoria, IL passed away at 7:18 pm on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Center. Johnnie was born on May 25, 1955 in Greenwood, MS to the late Dorothy (Thomas) and Johnnie Higgins, Sr. The family later moved to East St. Louis, IL where he received his early education in their public school system. The family relocated again to Peoria, IL where Johnnie attended Peoria public schools. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Riverside Community Church. Johnnie had an outgoing, fun-loving and mischievous personality. He had a flair for stylish dressing from head to toe, modeling himself after his favorite entertainer, “Steve Harvey.” Johnnie was avid reader and sports buff. He was intelligent and street smart, he never met a stranger. Johnnie was a jack of all trades, exceptionally handy at sprucing up all kinds of household and mechanical contraptions. He worked various odd jobs such as: a bakery employee, home and property maintenance, HSC food service deliverer and last working in food service at Western Meat Market. Johnnie lived by his own set of rules. He lived his life to the fullest resulting in highs and lows; but in spite of his ups and downs, he found his way into the hearts of family and many friends who loved him unconditionally. Johnnie leaves to cherish his most precious memories one son, Dawaun Washington; his siblings, Rev. Willie D. (Betty) Edwards of St. Louis MO, Eddie Edwards of Chicago, Lurie (Lynell) Hubbard of St. Louis, MO, Clyde Bradley of Peoria, Larry (Wanda) Higgins, Kenneth (Sharon) Edwards and Cornelius “Neal”Robert Earl Edwards and Irene Edwards all of Peoria; Vann Edwards of the Quad Cities, Johnnie (Cynthia) Higgins, Jerry Higgins, James (Sheila) Higgins, Cleveland (Nova) Higgins and Jammie (Rakia) Higgins all of Sunflower, MS, Sammie (Pearl) Higgins of New Bern, NC, Dorothy Hill of Memphis, TN, Diane (Anthony) Forrest of Cleveland, MS and Gleanda Higgins of Atlanta, GA, Lois Williams of St. Petersburg, FL, Geraldine (Vern) Stephens of Apollo Beach, FL, Ellis (Rev. Nathaniel) Griffin of St. Louis, MO, Dorothy Ann Ray of St. Louis, MO and Dorothy Jean Harris of Greenwood, MS; his step-mother, Earline Higgins; a special auntie, Edna Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Rev. Ed Edwards; two brothers, John Williams and Fred Edwards; and two sisters, Henrietta Edwards and Emma Howell. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Grace Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Host Pastor Claude White, Jr. and Associate Minister Jeff Foreman will officiate. Johnnie will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.