Ms. Deborah Jean Rias

Ms. Deborah Jean Rias, 70, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at her residence. Deborah was born in Peoria, IL on May 16, 1954 to Joella Henning and Lincoln Mabins, Jr. Deborah was a 1972 Manual High School graduate where she excelled academically. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude from Eureka College in the Social Science Divisions in July 1975. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Social Justice Professions with a specialized concentration in Human Services from the University of Illinois (Sangamon State University) in May of 1983. Deborah was also certified by the State Teacher Certification Board for the State of Illinois as a substitute teacher. Deborah worked as a drug rehabilitation counselor at the Human Service Center/Fayette Companies, a substitute teacher for Peoria Public School District 150, a counselor at Martin Luther Homes of Illinois and retired as a case manager from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Deborah loved swimming, listening to music, traveling, fishing, writing and reciting poetry. She was an excellent cook and also loved to bake. Her love of cooking was demonstrated by the love and care she put into cooking the food for her family and friends. Deborah was baptized at Mt. Zion M. B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Wendell Phillips and Rev. Alphonso Lyons, Jr. She worked diligently on the culinary committee, she was a loyal choir member, and she helped out in the food pantry Deborah was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and was a former Missionary Society Queen. She spent many years volunteering with the NAACP fighting for social justice. Deborah leaves to cherish her most precious memory her loving mother, Joella Harris of Peoria IL; three siblings, Darren Mabins of East Chicago, IL, Kimberley (David) Franklin and Audie Mabins both of Lancaster, CA; two grandsons, Kahlil Rias, Sr. and Ted Godfrey; three great grandchildren, Tavayah Rias, Nautica Rias, and Kahlil, Rias, Jr.; grandson-in-love, Keith Haynes, Jr.; three god children, Tyrena Denney of East Peoria, IL, Michael Geathers of New Haven, CT and Christian Burke of East Hartford, CT; three aunts, Margaret Mabins, Geraldine Henning and Ella Mae Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Ashanti Rias; her father; her step father Robert Sam Harris; her maternal grandfather Robert Henning, Sr.; her maternal grandmother, Sara Henning and her uncle, Robert Henning, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 305 S. Madison Park Terrace with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 9:00 am. Rev. Tyrone Evans will officiate with Pastor Dr. Matthew Mitchell bringing the eulogy. Deborah will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. Contributions can be made to Mt. Zion M.B. Church.

Tributes

Ms. Deborah Jean Rias

May 16, 1954 - February 18, 2025