Mr. John Nelson Jr.

John Nelson Jr., 84, transitioned to eternal life at 11:22 p.m. on November 23, 2021, at Aperion Health Care in Peoria Heights, IL. John was born on April 23, 1937 in Rena Lara Mississippi to John Nelson Sr. and Ilee Horton. John moved to Peoria with his mother and siblings in 1952. John married the love of his life, Rosa Lee (White) Nelson, on August 10, 1970 in Peoria, IL. They shared over 44 years of marriage together. John graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965. He worked as an Assistant Professor at Bradley University, owned and operated restaurants around the Peoria area, drove for City Link, and worked with his wife at Sharon Healthcare. John most treasured spending time with his family and helping those in need. John was also known as “Cook” to many, as he loved to gather his family on Sundays to create memories and enjoy his delicious dinners. John leaves to cherish his most precious memories with his son, John Lee (Adrienne) Nelson, of Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Allisha Allison of Atlanta, GA, Kenzie Nava of Princeton, IL, John Lee Nelson Jr., and Alyce Nelson, both of Peoria; one sister, Zinnie Turner of Peoria; brother-in-law, Manual White Jr., of Peoria; great-grandchildren Apollo and Rosa Nava of Princeton, IL, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers: L.C. Horton, Joe Horton, Will T. Davis, and Robert T. Davis, and one sister Rosa Mae Gordon. Family would like to invite all who knew and loved John to Zion Baptist Church, 323 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Peoria, IL 61605 on Saturday, December 4, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Samuel T. Duren will officiate. John will be laid to rest beside his wife at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. 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 is encouraged 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. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. John Nelson Jr.

April 23, 1937 - November 23, 2021