Mr. Samuel Lee

Samuel Lee, 78, of Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at 1:00 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at his home. Samuel was born on March 31, 1934 in Lorman, Mississippi to Alonzo and Martha (Green) Lee. He married Nina Stevens on July 12, 1974 in Peoria at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church. Upon moving to Peoria, he worked as a District 150 School Bus Driver, a YMCA Bus Driver and was a Floor Manager at Cohen's Furniture. He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. as a storage control operator in 1997 after 36 years of service. Samuel was a member of Greenleaf Baptist Church in Mississippi. Upon moving to Peoria, he became a member of New Morning Star M.B. Church under the leadership of the Rev. Calvin Hightower, Sr. After marrying Nina, he became a member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church where he was a trustee, treasurer, and past choir president. Presently he is a member of Rising Sun Christian Church where he has served as a deacon, member of the Layman's organization and Vacation Bible School assistant. Samuel was known in the Peoria Community for being a Promoter of Gospel Entertainment. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and was a 32nd Degree Mason and a past member of UAW Local 974. Samuel loved carpentry; movies, singing and music. Samuel leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Nina Lee of Peoria; one son, Leroy Green Lee of Peoria; one brother, McLawrence Lee; two sisters, Mary Lee Lockhart of Ruston, LA and Peggy Lee (Emmanuel) Oliver of Lorman, MS; his god children, J. Phillip (Tawana) Carroll of Indianapolis, IN, Janet C. (George) Davis, Jerri Smith and Margueritte ( Glenn) Ross all of Peoria; his mother-n-law, Claronell Stevens Newberry, FL; three sister-n-laws, Ollie J. Hall of Archer, FL, Cecelia Smith of Atlanta, GA and Jeanette Dailey of Peoria; 22 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Carl Edward Lee; one brother-n-law, Staff Sergeant Samuel Lawton; two sister-n-laws, Vivian Griffin and Eunice Jackson. A two hour visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday evening December 11, 2012 at Rising Sun Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 also at Rising Sun Christian Church with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 AM Pastor John L. Gibson will officiate. Samuel will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com website.

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Mr. Samuel Lee

March 31, 1934 - December 5, 2012