Honoria Jean Steele-Jolliff

Honoria Jean was born August 21, 1957 to the marriage of Jean Eleanor Johnson-Griffin and Homer James Steele Sr., in Chicago, Illinois. She was the last of 3 children brought to this union. She attended Paul Revere Elementary School and graduated from Park Manor Elementary School, and Fenger High School, all located in Chicago, Illinois.

In July 1981, Honoria was married to Eugene Jolliff. Two children were born to this union: a daughter, Kim Shavonne Jolliff, and a son Maurice Eugene Jolliff. The Jolliff family later came to reside in Naperville, Illinois. Honoria was divorced in 2020 and never remarried.

Honoria’s faith in God was instilled by her family, home bible studies, strengthened and nurtured by her affiliation with the Wheaton Christian Center, in Wheaton, Illinois pastored by Reverend Carlton Arthurs, and with the Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois pastored by Reverend Bill Winston.

Honoria was a consummate cook, a devoted homemaker wife and mother who would sacrifice without limits for her family. She always greeted family and friends with a smile, a kiss, and a sense of humor that always made you feel welcome and loved. Honoria worked for a time at Meijers Food Stores as a skilled baker and food preparer, a job which she immensely enjoyed.

One of Honoria’s greatest joys was being the director of the Willow Lakes Apartments Tenant Resource Center where she was responsible for assisting, guiding, and providing meaningful recreational activities for tenant children and residents. She provided a safe environment for the children of parents who sometimes needed a place for their children to do their homework and be lovingly cared for until released to their caregivers and parents.

Honoria was instrumental in the planning and coordination of our annual family picnics, with various exciting activities and contests for children and adult participants.

On the morning of April 30th, 2023 Honoria passed suddenly at home. She is now absent from the body and present with the Lord. She will be greatly missed.

Preceding Honoria in death was her:

Grandmothers, Louella Steele and Honoria Jetton-Merchant-Johnson. Grandfathers, Early Steele and Frank Johnson, Sr. Mother, Jean Eleanor Johnson-Steele and father, Homer James Steele Sr. Cousins Theresa Johnson, Meta Rose Johnson, Sonia White, Carol Wormley, Leonard Cornelius Steele, Wilbert Lyke, Jerry Lyke, Julia Chinn, Eugene Hightower, Irma Jean Maloney-Bolden and Beverly Merchant. Aunts Sedalia Steele-Lyke, Lydia Johnson-Crittendon, Geraldine Johnson-Irvin, Bernice Johnson, Lois Merchant-Maloney, Dorothy Brewer. Uncles Frank Johnson Jr., and John Merchant.

Honoria is survived by:

Brother Homer James Steele Jr, sister Joyce Marie Batts, and brother John Wesley Griffin. Daughter Kim Shavonne Jolliff, son Maurice Eugene Jolliff, grandchildren Brendon Spero, Jayden Borgens, and Ryland Borgens. Nephews Hasani Bakari Steele, Harrison David Steele, Michael Anthony Batts Jr. Nieces Helen Elaine Steele, Ebony Latrice Batts, Estelle Michelle Batts, Victor Griffin, Joyce Griffin, Valerie Griffin, Shirley Griffin, Hattie Griffin, Cynthia Griffin and nephew Victor Griffin. Cousins Deborah Johnigan, Lydia Campbell, Paul Arnold Johnson, Joann Tankson, Darryl Merchant, Frederick Merchant, Emmanuel Johnson Jr. Many other beloved cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

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