Ms. Alexandria Lynn Pearson

Ms. Alexandria Lynn Scott Pearson, 82, of Peoria, IL, transitioned from this side of life at 5:12 am on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Liberty Village at Manor Court. Alexandria affectionally known as Lynn was born on December 6, 1941 in Bloomington, IL to Allen and Gabrella (McClelland) Scott. Lynn was a true care giver and served her family, friends, church, and community with all of the gifts that God equipped her with. She enjoyed traveling, reading, caring for her family, listening to music, social gatherings, eagle watching, and good food with good conversation. Lynn worked at Caterpillar, Inc. as a Materials Handler; retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service. While at Caterpillar she was very active with Local 974 UAW / CAP committee / Women committee / Fair practice committee / presiding as Co-chair of Unit 4 for a time. Lynn leaves to cherish her most precious memory two sons, Allen Pearson, Sr. of Maplewood, MN and Jay (Ja’nice) Pearson of Peoria, IL; nine grandchildren, Ciera (Kevin Syrovy) Wallace, Nevaeh (DeMarcus Stephenson) Pearson, Allen Pearson, Jr., Brianne Pearson, Nikia Pearson, Jamara (Christian) Pearson-Lloyd, Caleb (Hallaha Powers) Pearson, Christiaan Pearson and Deven Pearson; seven great grandchildren, Kieran, Celisa, Jamaria, Jay, Amiya, Alaysia, Alexander; two nieces, Kendra Nunn and Ebonie Scott; two nephews, Corey Scott and Glen Scott; two special friends, Barbra Jamison and Edie Grady, and a host of relatives and friends who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Scott Darell Pearson and two sisters, Karen Scott and Betty Welch. Lynn was a lifelong member of Ward Chapel AME Church, where she was one of only two women to serve as trustee. She ensured that all church documents were filed in a timely manner and kept secure. She was chair of the Social Action Commission, Organized candidate forum, registered voters, and kept the congregation informed on issues affecting their community with events like the Monday Morning Meeting. Lynn was passionate to fight for all people and started at a young age joining in with NAACP efforts to change hiring practices at Sears & Roebucks and Cilco Electric Co. in Peoria. She continued through her life on numerous committees and boards. Lynn was elected to the Peoria County board in 1984 and served faithful for 32 years, retiring in 2016. Lynn continued breaking racial barriers by becoming the first African American to be appointed Chairperson of the board, serving in that position from 1998-2000. She also served as Vice-Chair from 1992-94 and 1996-98. She served on numerous committees while on the county board and was a trailblazer for many incentives that our region benefits from still today. Lynn's commitment to public service goes beyond her service as a County Board Member. Lynn started on the Police and Fire Commission as a member on June 28, 2005. She was Chairperson on the Commission from 2008 to 2022. She was Vice Chair until December 2023. She played a very active role on the Commission and was very much respected and appreciated. Her service on the Commission will be greatly missed. Her focus also extends to other community and national work such as: President of the Friendship House board, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Chairperson of Peoria County Democratic Women Committee, Chairperson of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Lifelong member of the Peoria NAACP, Co-chair of Peoria Community Against Violence, a Member of Peoria African American Hall of Fame, a delegate for the 1980 Democratic Convention for Jimmy Carter, Charter member of Peoria Red Hat Club, A. Phillip Randolph Foundation Chapter Member, and the United Way Board. She was the 2017 recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award among other awards and achievements in her lifetime. She mentored many women through the years as a champion in female empowerment in politics and civic affairs. Lynn donated her body to science. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peoria Friendship House or Ward Chapel AME Church. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Ms. Alexandria Lynn Pearson

December 6, 1941 - March 17, 2024