Ms. Barbara Jean Jones

Barbara began her "Believer 4 Life Walk with Christ" as a small child going to church with her mother and siblings to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Her foundation continued with her throughout her life journey, many times, leaning on God so ever firmly. As she raised her children then her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. Through life's journey she always had a smile and encouragement for many known and unknown to her. Born in Marion, Arkansas to the Late Eugene Taylor Sr. & Vethel (Davis) Taylor on July 10,1938. Early part of adult life Barbara married late Nathaniel Sledge Sr. and lived in Peoria. At the age of 16 she began working at Methodist Hospital and proceed to ICC to embark on a nursing career. She also was a foster parent to 5 of her grandchildren during this time. She moved herself and children to Buffalo, New York. She joined her sisters and families. Meeting Casey Jones and marriage, they then moved to Mississippi. Many years there, she returned home to Peoria, IL. Where she continued caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her adult son and daughter. She enjoyed visiting with her special grade school childhood friend, neighbor Bill, as well as family. Barbara also enjoyed watching NFL football, reading her Bible, and praying. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Casey, children; Virgil Sledge Sr., Toni Sledge, and Barbara (Chubby) Sledge and her siblings James Nash, Eugene Taylor Jr., Georgetta Traylor, Karol Stinson. She leaves precious memories of her love and fight for each one; Marsha Kay Sledge, Wendy Babley, and Nathaniel Sledge Jr. of Peoria, Il. Her beloved grandchildren: Owen, Louis, Brentah, Leshanna, Tonika, Marvin, Shamese, Demarco, Christopher, Brittney, Virgil Jr., Sabrina, Jesus, Kathleen, and 25 great-grandchildren she leaves her continued love and cherished lifelong memories they all shared together. Her surviving siblings; Stella Porter of Peoria IL., Karl Taylor Sr., and Dave Taylor Sr., all of Peoria IL, Johnny Taylor Sr. (Ginger) of Oceanside, CA, Reverand William (Willie Ann) Taylor Sr. of Las Vegas, NV; sister-m-law: Roslyn Taylor of Buffalo, New York; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and all special friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 10:00. Minister Judith Powell-Smith will present the Eulogy. Interment will be private.

Ms. Barbara Jean Jones

July 10, 1939 - November 3, 2023