Mrs. Mary R. Gaines

Mary Gaines, 92, of Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday Nov. 9, 2020, among beloved family members. She was born February 29, 1928, to RT Shorter and Lena Thomas, in Shelby, MS. Mary worked as a Surgical CNA at St. Francis Hospital for many years. Mary leaves to cherish her precious memories 9 of her 12 children; Robert (Judith) Lee and Gail Lee, both of Wilmington, NC, Freida (Ralph) Peary of Atlanta, GA, Bobby (Paula) Rutherford of Grand Prairie, TX, Michael (Donna) Rutherford, Nancy Gayles, Becky Rutherford, all of Peoria, IL, Dean (Marcella) Rutherford of Nashville, TN, and Bridgette (Carey) Stuckey of Peoria, IL; 2 brothers, Donell (Donna) Shorter and Matthew (Wanda) Shorter both of Elkhart, IN; 3 sisters, Marie Shorter and Beatrice Shorter both of Shelby, MS and Betty Shorter of Shamburg, IL; 31 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by one daughter, Constance Moody; two sons, Ronnie Lee, Mark Rutherford, and her parents. Mary had a great sense of humor; known for being Fun Loving and Good Natured. Over the decades she was known as the neighborhood/community mother. Her intuitive nature led her to evangelizing to more than her 12 children. She loved helping others and would give her last to anyone in need. She was Loyal, Confidant, and Strong Willed. Mary was also known for her magnificent sense of fashion. Mary was a strong Christian Mother that was known for her "Holy Dancing" and was a Senior citizen evangelist. She was a member of Love and Kindness Ministries. She was a past member of Star of Hope FGBC and Holy Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. A private funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Bishop Joseph Johnson will officiate. Mary will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. The funeral 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 and attendance limits will be observed. As the States begin re-opening in response to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic, some people are returning to their previous normal living standards. Unfortunately, we are now in our new normal as unreal and sometimes uncomfortable as the socially distancing and continuous use of protective masks may feel. *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). Thanks in advance for your cooperation! *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. The church can socially distance and seat at least 25% of it's capacity or less people. All others will be able to flow through and view prior to beginning the funeral service. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope...... 1 Thessalonians 4 (13 - 18 ) "But he was wounded for transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 For comfort check out https://youtu.be/pRBVHhnud-0 "What Death Means To A Christian" J. Vernon Mcgee

Tributes

Mrs. Mary R. Gaines

February 29, 1928 - November 9, 2020