Ms. Mary E. (Ford) Taylor

August 22, 1945 - May 8, 2021

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Taylor, 75, of Peoria, IL transitioned to be with the Lord at 2:12 pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at UnityPoint Health Methodist Hospital. Mary was born in Peoria, IL on August 22, 1945 to Bertram and Madeline (Simpson) Hicks. Mary retired from Caterpillar and also retired from Methodist Medical Center as a secretary in the Triage department after working 15 years of service. Mother Mary, as she was called, was a life member of Zion Baptist Church. She also worked at General Hospital in California in the Neuro Surgery Department. Mary was a die-hard Chicago Cubs Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Golden State Warriors and Chicago Black Hawks fan. She always commented, “If you are talking Spiritually, walk the same way”. She loved the Lord and stood on His word and was truly concerned about all. Her favorite quotes: 1. Ladies still have pep in their step, no shame in their game. 2. We come from a nation of kings and queens, but some aren’t able!!! Mary leaves to cherish her most precious memories three daughters, Gina Howard, Phyllis Ford and Crystal Ford all of Peoria, IL; two brothers, Phillip (Alyssa) Hicks of Atlanta, GA and Kirk May of Georgetown, SC; her sister-in-laws, Gloria Hicks of Las Vegas, NV and Sherrill Ford; five grandchildren, Monique Westmoreland, Adrian Howard, Camille Howard, Roy Farmer, III and Jamal Goodman all of Peoria, IL; six great grandchildren, Eden Westmoreland, Micah Hunt, Am’ya Howard, Autumn Howard, A’Mari Howard and Roy Farmer, IV; special children, Amiah Flowers, Samyiah Duren, Jada Thomas, Mikaila Thomas, Madeline McGregor, Angelina Danzeisen, Isabella Danzeisen, Lamyiah, Duren, J.J. Duren, Alexa Hightower, Kemry Hightower, Mykai Parks and Jarvis Mathews; special friends, JoAnn Tillman, Liz Slaughter, Brenda Glover, Atasa Summerville, Ann Marie Foley, Kristen & Lauren Dazeisen, Keven “Triple X” Zanders, Robin Burns, Renea Reece, Alesia Thomas; Mark Gibson and Curtis (great workers of Sterling Towers); Chad (wonderful security officer who saved me); Zion Baptist Church, Mission, Mother Ministry, numerous, wonderful Zion Family and pastors and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and those who called her Grandma. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Stephen Hicks; and special friends, Pearlie Robinson Williams and adopted mother Ardell Green. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Zion Baptist Church. There will not be a visitation. Pastor Samuel Duren will officiate. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Crittenton Center in her name. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. 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 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!