Mrs. Valeska "Terry" Louise Lyle

August 24, 1936 - November 1, 2017

Mrs. Valeska Louise Terry Lyle, 81, of Peoria, IL peacefully transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 7:35 am on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital. Valeska was born on August 24, 1936 in Paris, Tennessee to Jerome Sr., and Valeska (Cravens) Terry. She married Lee Vincent Lyle on December 31, 1964. Lee preceded his wife in death on April 9, 2002. Valeska was a graduate and Valedictorian at Henry County High School in Paris, TN and was a graduate and licensed Cosmetologist from the Oehrlein School of Cosmotology. At the age of 51, she decided to pursue a degree from Illinois Central College. Once graduated from ICC, she became a counselor of nontraditional students. Valeska found great joy helping her students, some of whom became her surrogate children prior to retiring in October 2000. Valeska leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving children, Iva-Surrette “Bikie” Washum of Peoria and Mauren Anthony Lyle of St. Louis, MO; one brother, Bobby Cravens of San Antonio, TX; two sisters, Jackie (David) Payne of St. Louis, MO and Sandra Figaro of Peoria; four grandchildren, Tony, Jeremy, Mauren, II and Dominique; seven great grandchildren; special God Daughters, Sonia Hendricks and Brenda (George) Yetton and a host of surrogate children who loved her also. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Jerome Terry, Sr., and Valeska Hinton and two brothers, Jerome Terry, Jr. and Michael Terry. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at St. Paul Baptist Church. Pastor Deveraux Hubbard will officiate Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.