Barbara Parr

Barbara Sue Parr, 83, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 3:43 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Unity Point Health-Methodist in Peoria, IL. She was born on November 26, 1937 to Lee A. and Martha M. (Carrel) Murphy in Peoria, IL.

She married the love of her life, Warren E. Parr, on June 9, 1957 in Peoria, IL. Their love held true until his passing on January 20, 2020. He was her "gentle giant" and she was his "Barbie". Each time they parted she would say "I love you to the moon" and he would respond with "more than the stars". Her love for Jesus was first in her life, followed by her love for Warren, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her daughters Melanie (Kelly) Neal of East Peoria and Cyndi (Tim) Wiechmann of Peoria; seven grandchildren, six step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren; brother Jack (Diane) Murphy of Oklahoma City, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Sheri McConaghy; and one sister, Rosemarie Kelly.

Barbara was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Germantown Hills, IL where she was very active. She enjoyed leading Bible studies and hosting various women's events. She loved people and sharing her love of Jesus with them. She was an avid collector of many things and it was well known, "if you need something, ask Barbara, she probably has it!" And the grandchildren knew – "there's always cookies in the cookie jar and candy in the dish at Nana's!" She had a huge and giving heart and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 9, 2021, at her church with Pastor Kurt Smith officiating. Visitation will be one-hour prior to her service. All in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials in her name may be made to Faith Evangelical Free Church, Peoria Christian Center, Youth For Christ, or Peoria Rescue Mission. To share a memory or to leave a condolence for her family, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

.