Ms. Merlene "Baby Sister" Burrows

March 28, 1938 - October 22, 2020

Merlene Burrows also known to family and friends as “BabySister”,82, of Peoria, IL passed away at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 22, 2020. She was born on March 28, 1938 in Lexington, MS to Swayzer and Media (Archer) Hines. She was raised by her grandparents Nick and Mary Archer. She later married Leslie Burrows Sr. who preceded her in death. Merlene was a true warrior of God. She had a love for all her children. Her heart and house were always welcoming for anyone. Merlene was loved by many. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: two sons: Kenneth Burrows and Leslie Burrows Jr. both of Peoria, IL; seven daughters: Felicia (Larry) Burrows-Woods of Peoria, IL, Lesly (Ferrell) Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Valerie Burrows of Peoria, IL, Denise Burrows of Atlanta, GA, Ivy Irby of Peoria, IL, Latonya Irby of Peoria, IL, and Valerie (Larry) Toles of Peoria, IL; one sister Orlena ”Sugar Baby” Draper of Huntsville, AL; a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and several relatives who will miss her dearly. In Addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter Arnetta Smith, maternal and paternal grandparents, three sisters, and three brothers. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, October 30, 2020 at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel (201 N. Mac Arthur Hwy Peoria, IL) at 11:00 a.m. with a public visitation commencing one-hour prior at 10:00 a.m. Pastor James Ware of Grace Apostolic Assembly Church will officiate. Due COVID-19 mandates social distancing and masks are required. Merlene will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery 914 S. Pleasant Street Peoria, IL 61604