Mrs. Juanita Ellis Marks

March 7, 1948 - August 26, 2020

Mrs. Juanita Ellis Marks, 72, of Peoria, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 8:18 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her family. Juanita was born in Sikeston, MO on March 7, 1948 to Pearlie Mae (Backus) Ellis. She was raised by her mother and step father, Tommie Ellis, Jr. Juanita was a proud graduate of Douglas High School in Mounds, IL. She married the love of her life, William Henry Marks, on November 24, 1971 in Mounds City, IL. Juanita was dearly loved by her family and she dearly loved them. Her loving, kind and generous spirit will be missed by all who came in contact with her. She loved Bethel United Methodist church where she was a faithful member for many years. Juanita leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband of 49 years, Williams Henry Marks, of Peoria, IL; two sons, Eric Marks and Howard (Yolanda) Marks all of Peoria; five brothers, Tommie Ellis, Jr., of Omaha, NE, William Ellis of New Port Richey, FL, Jerry Ellis of Omaha, NE, Robert Ellis of Omaha, NE and Edward (Helen) Ellis of Marion, IL; two sisters, Henrietta (Robert) Laws of Carrollton, TX and Jeanetta Jones of Omaha, NE; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her Bethel United Methodist Church Family. She is preceded in death by her parents; her step father, Tommie Ellis, Sr. A Graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, August 31, 2020 at Historic Springdale Cemetery immediately following a visitation being held from 10 am to 11 am at Simons Mortuary Chapel. Pastor Tyson T. Parks, III will bring words of comfort to the family at the graveside. 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 time of the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. As the States begin re-opening in response to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic, some people are returning to their previous normal living standards. Unfortunately, we are now in our new normal as unreal and sometimes uncomfortable as the socially distancing and continuous use of protective masks may feel. *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). Thanks in advance for your cooperation! *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 a limit of 50 or less people. All others will be able to flow through and view prior to beginning the Celebration of Life Ceremony.