Ms. Mattie "Grannee" Lue Citchen

September 29, 1939 - December 5, 2020

Mother Mattie “Grannee” Lue Citchen, 81, of Peoria, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 8:40 am on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center. Mattie was born on September 29, 1939 in Coahoma County, Mississippi. She was born to Rezachary and Sallie (James) Erving. Mattie loved the Lord. She accepted Christ at an early age in Mississippi. She was a member and church secretary at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Dublin, MS for many years. Mattie married Maynard F. Citchen on December 21, 1957. To their union 6 children were born. The Mattie and her four youngest children moved to Peoria, IL on July 30, 1973. In December of 1973 her family became members of Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Calvin Hightower. She faithfully served on the Mission Board and enjoyed Sunday School. Mattie joined New Bethel and later joined New Cornerstone Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s Board. Mattie loved sewing and fishing. She had a green thumb showcasing the most beautiful house plants. She enjoyed working as a childcare provider. She loved her children, grand children and extended family. Mattie was a very loving and caring women with a big heart; but she would let you know what she was thinking! Her favorite expression was “Everybody’s sense ain’t common”. Mother Mattie leaves to cherish her most precious memories three sons, Curtis Citchens of Clarksdale, MS, Milton (Dawn) Citchens and Micheal (Michelle) Citchens both of Peoria, IL; two daughters, Leatha Citchen-Hughes and Linda (Eric) Thomas both of Peoria; one brother, Sammie Ervin of Peoria, IL. She leaves 25 grandchildren; Anthony, Addie, Mario, Donnelle, Victoria, April, Donald, D’Angela, Ashley, Britton, Micheal, Milton Jr, Micayla, Cierra, Sara, Cynthia, LaShawn, Janice, Amanda, Dawniesha, Curtise, Micah, Eric Jr, Noel. She also leaves 34 great-grandchildren; Aaliyah, Anthony Jr, Bradley, Brody, Brayelle, Brayla, Braylee, Braylen, Clarence, Dawsyn, Deon, Donovan, Ella, Hudson, Jacob, Ja’Niyah, Jailen, Jamier Jr, Jasiah, Jasun, Jaylee, Kaiyden, Kamryn, Kennedy, Kobe, Lana, Malice, Mariya, Omari, Payton, Rasheriah, Roman and Tray’Anna. A great grandchild is due in May 2021; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Clarence Citchen; one granddaughter, Lydia Grace Thomas; 8 sisters, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Canary, Ruby, Della, Bobbie and Leatry and 6 brothers, Cornelius, Manuel, Zachary, Robert, Onie and Johnnie. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Simons Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon, Friday, December 11, 2020 at Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Martin Johnson of New Beginnings Ministries will bring words of comfort. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with services. 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 10 family members of the decedents, not including the staff. 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. The chapel can socially distance and seat no more than 10 or less people. All others will be able to flow through prior to beginning of the service. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!