Ms. Kimberlea Denise Tillman

September 26, 1966 - March 22, 2021

Ms. Kimberlea Denise Tillman, age 54, transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 1:55 pm on Monday, March 22, 2021 at University Rehabilitation at Northmoor, Peoria, IL. Kimberlea was born on September 26, 1966 in Oxford, MS to James and Izola (Pegues) Tillman. Kimberlea accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She married Derrick Jones on August 9, 1997, they later divorced. Kimberlea was a graduate of Peoria Central High School where she was a Track statistician and excelled academically. Kimberlea was presented to society as a Debutante in the Chicago Chapter of LINKS, Inc. She was a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA earning a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. She worked as a social worker for the State of Illinois for many years until her health was compromised. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Peoria Alumnae Chapter. Kimberlea was passionate about finding a way to network with others with Sickle Cell Anemia to form a help group. She was able to reach her goal by co-founding with OSF St. Francis Hospital the organization Bound by Blood, (BBB) which is ongoing. Kimberlea also organized an Outreach Program with her family to help families in need at Christmas. Kimberlea loved bowling, traveling, dancing, online words with friend’s crossword and scrabble puzzles and making her grandmother’s butter rolls. Kimberlea leaves to cherish her most precious memories her parents, James and Izola Tillman of Peoria, IL; and a host of aunts, uncles, other family and many friends. She is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents. A private funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Mt. Zion M.B. Church with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 10 am. Pastor Alphonso Lyons, Jr., will officiate. Kimberlea will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. Simons Mortuary was 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 and attendance limits will be observed. In accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Funerals are limited to no more than 50% of the capacity of the church or less. 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. Funerals are limited to no more than 50% of the decedent’s immediate family members. *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. The sanctuary can socially distance and seat 50% of the capacity of the church. All others will be able to flow through prior to beginning of the service. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!