Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home

01/21/2026

Muriel “Kitty” Willman, 97, of Peoria passed away on January 18, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family in Peoria, IL.

Muriel “Kitty” was born on December 27, 1928 in Rushden England to George and Ida (Ainge) Holliday. She married Quentin Willman on June 11, 1955 at Grace Lut...

View "Kitty"'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/19/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King reminded us that compassion, service, and love for one another are powerful forces for change. His message continues to inspire us to lead with kindness, stand for dignity, and care for our communities—especially during life’s most difficult moments.

On this day of remembrance, may we reflect on how we can serve others with empathy, understanding, and respect.

01/15/2026

If you're looking for a meaningful way to offer comfort to a grieving family, certain sympathy flowers carry messages of love, peace, and support:

🌸 Lilies – Symbolize the restored innocence of the soul.
🌹 Roses – A classic expression of love, respect, and remembrance.
🌼 Chrysanthemums – A traditional tribute of honor and sympathy.
🌷 Tulips – Represent hope and encouragement during difficult times.
🌿 Peace Lilies – A lasting symbol of peace, rebirth, and comfort.

Whether you choose a simple bouquet or a thoughtful arrangement, sending flowers is a beautiful way to let a family know you're thinking of them and standing with them during their time of loss.

If you ever need help selecting the right arrangement, we’re here to guide you. 💛

01/14/2026

Margie Jo Armstrong age 73, of Peoria, IL, passed away on January 10, 2026 after a long illness. Born February 12, 1952 in Fulton, MO to John Clark, Sr. and Bertha Irene Clark (Galbreath).

She pursued a career as a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) and retired from Methodist Medical Center a...

View Margie J. Armstrong's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/08/2026

Choosing cremation is a personal decision, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. Our caring team is here to listen, guide, and provide clear answers so you feel confident in every choice you make.

Learn more about cremation services and how we can support you: https://www.cumerfordclary.com/types-of-services/cremation-services

01/01/2026

As we welcome the new year, we reflect with gratitude on the families we’ve had the honor of serving and the trust our community places in us.

From all of us, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with warmth, remembrance, and hope. ✨

12/24/2025

This Christmas season, we pause with gratitude for our community and the trust you place in us. As families gather, we are reminded that love, memories, and connection endure far beyond the holidays.

For those who are grieving, we hold you close in our hearts and hope you are able to find moments of peace, comfort, and gentle remembrance during this season.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with peace, warmth, and hope . 🎄✨

12/17/2025

Sorting through a loved one’s possessions after their death can be overwhelming. One way to make the task easier is to invite close friends or family members to help you. While you may be tempted to tackle the task on your own, friends can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Who’s your support system? Give them a shoutout in the comments below.

12/16/2025

Juanita F. Lukehart, 93, of Peoria, IL passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Country Comfort Retirement Home in Elmwood, IL. She was born to Claude and Opal (Carpenter) Fletcher on February 05, 1932 in Marshfield, Missouri.

She moved to Peoria in 1966 approximately. Juanita had many lo...

View Juanita Fern Lukehart's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/15/2025

Robert Keith Middleton “Bob” died peacefully in hospice care on December 14, 2025 in Peoria, Illinois with family by his side. He was born on September 5, 1942, to Keith and Edna Middleton at Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 48...

View Robert K. Middleton's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/10/2025

Music has a unique ability to speak when words fall short. During a funeral, it can comfort, honor, and connect us—evoking memories, expressing love, and creating a sense of peace.

Whether it's a favorite hymn, a touching instrumental, or a song that brings back shared moments, the right music can help celebrate a life in a deeply meaningful way.

At Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home, we understand how powerful music can be in the healing process. We're here to help you choose selections that reflect your loved one’s spirit and story.

What song reminds you most of someone you’ve lost? Feel free to share below.

12/03/2025

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and while everyone experiences it differently, the five stages of grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—offer a helpful framework for understanding the emotions that follow loss.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, these stages can help individuals recognize and process their feelings:

-Denial: A natural defense mechanism that helps cushion the immediate shock.
-Anger: A response to the pain, often directed at circumstances, others, or even ourselves.
-Bargaining: The mind's way of trying to regain control—often filled with "what if" thoughts.
-Depression: A deep sadness as the reality of the loss sets in.
-Acceptance: Not about “getting over it,” but learning to live with the loss and move forward.

It’s important to note that these stages are not linear—everyone grieves differently, and that’s okay.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, know that support is available. You're not alone.

Read more from Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one?fbclid=IwY2xjawOS7p9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPWHN6UkxKSkd6MUxJSU1Bc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsKH8mJaUzHS7w8wYDMV1Ftd5Tc_33KCaorJktZXnJ01oQGZz5SawpKAezy7_aem_4BHUot_eD0tnPPW9B-dC9A&brid=ZnOHYNu0oX_tADfGVwF95g