Ms. Mary Lee Smith

August 6, 1944 - January 24, 2022

Sister Mary Lee Smith, 77, of Peoria, IL lost her battle to cancer and transitioned to her heavenly home at 10:46 am on Monday, January 24, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her family. Mary was born to Pearl Davis and Alto Robinson, Sr., on August 6, 1944 in Drew Mississippi. After moving to Peoria and graduating from Manual High school, she received her Associates Degree from ICC then met her first husband William Porch in Peoria and they married November 26, 1963. Together, they had 4 children; Regina, William, Chataun and Chase Porch and raised her bonus child, Yvonne Robison. Mary later married her second husband, Euel Smith, on October 19, 1979 in Bloomington, IL and raised her bonus child, Shawn Watkins. Mary worked at Pepsi Cola in her earlier years and later retired from Caterpillar Tractor as a material technology laboratory specialist in 2003 after 30 years of service. Mary was a caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Sister Mary always found time to maintain a family environment at home and share her time and giving spirit for over 50 years at Star of Hope where she served on the Children’s and Bereavement Ministries and Sunday School. She volunteered at Nursing Homes. She was a loyal friend and dedicated her time in taking care of family and friends that needed it. Mary was quiet-spoken and very private; but had the biggest smile that warmed a room whenever she entered. Her favorite saying is “Everything is going to be alright, just trust in the Lord.” Mary was a phenomenal cook, known for her barbequing. Most weekends and all holidays you could always find her in kitchen cooking or in the back yard grilling. Mary had a passion for the upkeep of her yard and spending time with her family. Mary leaves to cherish her most precious memory her loving and devoted children which includes Regina Porch of Alexandria, VA, William (Talisa) Porch of Killeen, TX, Chataun Porch of Munchie, IN and Chase Porch of Alexandria, VA; a bonus daughter, Yvonne Robison of Los Angeles, CA and a bonus son, Shawn Watkins of Pearland, TX; one sister, Mary (Henry) Slaughter-Facen of Pooler, GA; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Eugene Shipp, Sr., and Alto Robinson, Jr.; and 5 sisters, Dorothy Jackson, Frances Robison, Bessie Sawyer, Gladys Bryson, and Idara Harris-Grier. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Star of Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Bishop Joseph Johnson will officiate. Mary will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Illinois Cancer Care PC 8940 N. Wood Sage Rd, Peoria Il 61615 on Mary L. Smith behalf. The family would like to give special thanks for the prayers, love and support provided by Aunt Joyce Howard, her niece, Johnnie “Fruity” McDaniel, Ms. Amelia Nickels, Ms. Rose Hopson, Ms. Nancy Jackson, and their families. 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 is encouraged 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!