Barbara Jean Perez, 66, of Galesburg, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at 10:33 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Barb was born September 11, 1954, in Chicago the daughter of Walter John and Betty Jean (Groff) Frank. Barb graduated from GHS in 1972 and married Antonio “Tony” D. Perez, Jr. on May 5, 1972, in Galesburg. Barb is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Tony; and their three daughters, Amanda L. (Aaron) Clarke of Altona, Yolanda “Loni” M. (Tyson Hensley) Reid of Canton, and Melinda K. (Eric) McGraw of Humboldt, TN. Barb is also survived by sons, David R. Dawson of Galesburg and Matt Reid of Normal; her pride and joy, eleven grandchildren, Dalton Unger, MaKenzie, Jared, and Jakob Clarke, Ryan, Alyssa, and Brenna Reid, David and Mikel Dawson, Melina, and Merica McGraw; and her great-grandchildren, Ryder Clarke, R.J. Vedell, Brylee Kitch, Aaron, and Daxton Unger, and baby Dawson due in October 2021. She is also survived by four sisters, Sheryl (the late Gary) Icenogle of Galesburg, Barb’s twin sister, Vickie (Jerry) Frost of Rockwood, TN, Kim (Milo) Morrow of Galesburg, and Toni (Randy) Yount of Liberal, MO; and one brother, Gary (Pam) Frank of Galesburg. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Walter “Sonny” Frank; and triplet great-grandchildren.
Barb was a devoted stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. She later went to work at Norwest Bank and last worked at In Touch Adult Day Care. Barb always loved any time she and Tony were able to spend time with their children and grandchildren. She taught and lived the golden rule. She loved selflessly, always had a smile on her face, and no matter good times or bad she always had a positive outlook. She never met a stranger always befriending anyone she encountered. Barb was strong in her faith to Jesus Christ and was a committed member of Colonial Baptist Church. She was extremely creative and loved doing crafts.
Visitation will be 12 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Colonial Baptist Church, 1232 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, IL with a funeral service following at 2 p.m. Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate. Due to COVID-19 precautions, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be enforced. Funeral services will be live-streamed via www.watsonthomas.com at 2 p.m. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
