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Mother Pearl Lee Taylor, 88, of Peoria, IL, transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 2:12 AM on Friday, December 13, 2019, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL. Pearl was born on April 15, 1931, in Ripley, Tennessee, to Sally (Hines) Sangster and L. C. Copeland. She married Tom Taylor. Pearl was the matriarch of five generations including three loving sons, Frederick and Lonnie Copeland, both of Peoria and James (Susan) Copeland of Bradenton, FL; three daughters, Gwendolyn Holland and Inez Copeland, both of Peoria, and Johnee (Dwight) Richardson of Oklahoma City, OK, seven grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory one brother, Humphrey (Cindy) Sangster of Detroit, MI; three sisters, Bobbie Lee of St. Louis, MO, Irma Jean (Earl) Johnson of Detroit, MI, and Evelyn Phillips of Rockford, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and one sister. Pearl began her healthcare career as a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) at St. Francis Hospital in the late 1950’s, also joining the Nurses’ Guild at her church. She left the field only to be drawn back within a short time due to her strong need to help others. Pearl received her High School Equivalency Certificate on March 29, 1968, and she went to work for Methodist Hospital in 1969. At an age when many are resting on their laurels, Pearl received her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree from Illinois Central College at the age of 50 in May of 1981. She retired from Methodist after 21 years of service. In addition to her nursing career, she was a successful entrepreneur opening C & H Café in the late 1960’s and operating Pearl’s Country Kitchen through the early 1980’s. After her retirement, Pearl worked at the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, where she was a caregiver and outreach specialist. She was a 50 + year member of Grace Baptist Church, where she faithfully and tirelessly served as President of the Nurses’ Guild for many years. She served as President of the Culinary Committee for nine years, President of the Pastor’s Aide Committee for 20 years, and President of the Central District Nurses’ Health Unit. In 2012, the Central District Missionary Baptist Association Nurses’ Health Unit annual banquet was re-named the Pearl L. Taylor banquet. She was a devoted leader of the Central District Nurses’ Health Unit and the Grace Baptist Church Nurses’ Health Unit. She was very active in the community by serving on many boards: Secretary, Central District United Mission; Peoria Church Women United Nomination Committee; NAACP Membership; Community Builder and Central District Women’s Auxiliary. Pearl attended many Central District, State, National Board, Congress, and National Conventions. In the year 2001, she served as a Judge for the Peoria County Voters Registrar Census. Her family was particularly blessed and honored when she was inducted into the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum in 2002, where she served as a board member beginning in 2006. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, cooking and time with her family. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, December 23, 2019, at Grace Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 10 AM. Pastor Claude L. White, Jr. will officiate, and Rev. Charles E. Johnson, Sr., Pastor of Tabernacle M. B. Church, will deliver the eulogy. Mother Taylor will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Pearl Lee Taylor

April 15, 1931 - December 13, 2019

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Mrs. Pearl Lee Taylor

April 15, 1931 - December 13, 2019

Obituary & Service

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