Mother Mary Lee Strong

March 5, 1952 - April 17, 2021

Mrs. Mary Lee Strong, 69, of Peoria, IL passed away at 4:38 pm on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Mary was born on March 5, 1952 in Tutwiler, MS to Diane Byest and Simon Lane. She married Gregory Strong, Sr., on December 21, 1979 until his death on November 10, 2007. Mary was a woman of great faith. She was always reading her bible and praising the Lord. Mary had a great spirit, was outspoken and was a jokester. She cared for others and left an indelible mark on all she met. She loved cooking for her family; she stayed at the stove! Mary leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted family; six sons, Gregory Strong of Peoria, IL, Edwinn (Brandi) Strong of Brimfield, IL, Ramon Strong, Maurice (Shauna) Strong of Peoria, IL, Terrence Strong also of Peoria, IL and Bryon Strong of Lafayette, IN; four daughters, Kimberlee Strong of Wyoming, IL, Joynell (James) Douglas, Angelia (Trubitry, Sr.,) Strong-Johnson and Tiffany (Devon) Williams all of Peoria, IL; one brother, Bernard (Mary) Lane of West Memphis, TN; a special God Daughter, Siobhan Mason and a host of grand and great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, D’Andre Strong and two granddaughters. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Morning Glory Community Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Marlon Young, Sr., will bring words of comfort to the family. Mary will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Monday, May 3, 2021, with her beloved husband, Gregory. Simons Mortuary has been 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 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 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 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!