Mrs. Mary D. Herrod

Mary D. Herrod, 98, Peoria, transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on March 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m., surrounded by family at Richard Owens Hospice Home. Mother Mary D. Herrod, the Matriarch of the Banks family, affectionately known as “Mae Dee” by her siblings and childhood friends, was born to the late Oscar and Sarah Pleas Banks on August 10, 1926, in Tchula, Mississippi. Mary D. met John Herrod, Jr. at a church service in Drew, Mississippi, and the two were united in holy matrimony on August 19, 1944, in Tchula. After their union, Mr. and Mrs. Herrod moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and in the late 1940s, they relocated to Peoria, Illinois. Together, they were blessed with nine children. Mary D. dedicated her life to the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age under the leadership of Minister Tobie Corpprue in Drew, Mississippi. Later, she and her husband became founding and active members of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in Peoria, Illinois, where they served under the leadership of Evangelist Hattie Mae Jordan, Elder Ervin Turner, Suffragan Bishop Val Johnson, and District Elder Henry L. Bolden, II. In the early years of ministry, Mother Herrod served as a Children’s Sunday School teacher and sang in the church’s congregational choir. She exemplified the true spirit of a Missionary, faithfully visiting the sick, shut-in, and hospitalized. Mother Herrod’s generous heart and selfless nature extended far beyond her church duties. She was a steadfast giver of her time and often put others' needs before her own. She was a constant presence at birthdays, weddings, and other celebratory events. Her last employment was with Lutheran Social Services as a caregiver. She was also a caring and loving foster grandparent. In her community, she volunteered, serving as a long-time volunteer at the voter polls educating and registering individuals to vote. She was beloved by her family, friends, neighbors, and church community. Her well-known phrase, “I am not impressed,” became a hallmark of her wit and straightforward nature. Above all, she was a devoted wife and mother, and her greatest joy came from being a mother, grandmother, and confidant. She was a constant source of love, wisdom, and support, always ready to offer comfort, joy, laughter, and encouragement. Her presence left an indelible mark on her children, extended family, and countless others. Mother Herrod lived a long, blessed life, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Mother Herrod leaves behind a legacy of love, service and devotion. She is survived by four children: Vera (Delano) Aguster, Richard Herrod, Sr., Patricia Herrod, and Debra (Cardell) Watkins; Daughter in-love: Verna J. Herrod; 20 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Herrod, Jr.; daughters, Jonni Mae Brown and Denise Yvonne Herrod; sons, (one stillborn), Kenneth Ivan Herrod and Walter Herrod, Sr., seven brothers: Charles, Selma, Mason, Buster, Lucious, Walter, and Tom Banks; and two sisters: Etta Matthews and Nannie Lou Jackson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ (401 Elm Street Peoria, IL 61505) at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior 9:00 a.m. Elder Henry Bolden II will present the eulogy. Mrs. Mary will be laid to rest a Parkview Cemetery. Arrangements were made especially for the “Herrod” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of “Mrs. Mary D. Herrod,” please visit our Sympathy Store.

Mrs. Mary D. Herrod

August 10, 1926 - March 11, 2025