Mrs. Mary Belle Lovingood

March 21, 1934 - October 18, 2019

Mrs. Mary Belle Lovingood, 85, of Peoria Heights, IL peacefully transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 2:55 AM on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Generations of Peoria Nursing Home, Peoria, IL surrounded by her family. Mary was born on March 21, 1934 in Pulaski, VA to William and Rosella (Hollie) Marshall. She graduated from Parker Gray High School in Alexandria, VA where she played on the basketball team. She attended and sung at Robert Memorial Methodist Church in her youth. Mary married the love of her life, Thomas Lovingood on March 14, 1955 in Alexandria, VA. Mary worked with the Army Corp of Engineers for the Department of Defense as a clerk typist. She also worked at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Congressional Records Departments while living in the Virginia area. Mary had a gentle spirit and was soft spoken. She loved baking cakes, solving crossword puzzles, collecting coins and reading her bible. She was a great wife, mother, sister and friend. Mary leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Thomas Lovingood, Sr.; one son, Thomas “Tony” (Brenda) Lovingood, III of Peoria, IL; three daughters, Adrienne Risby, Tina Johnson and Nicolette Lovingood all of Peoria, IL; two sisters; Ruth Bellfield of Rocky Mount, NC and Rosell (Burnett) Henry of Alexandria, VA; a host of grandchildren, great, great-great and great-great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, William Marshall and Joseph Marshall; six sisters, Cora Martin, Sarah Louise Calloway, Lila M. Burks, Elizabeth Collins, Shirley Brooks and Josephine Rollins. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM, Friday, October 25, 2019 at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church with a visitation at 10 AM. Monsignor Jason Gray will officiate. Mary will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.