Billie Jean Garman

Billie Jean Garman, 80, of Manito, passed away at 5:03 a.m., on March 20, 2025, at Richard Owens Hospice House, in Peoria. She was born June 4, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois, to William and Anna (Stuart) Timinsky. Her father died when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and step-father, George Simmering. She married Lee Garman, in Pekin, Illinois, on September 2, 1973. He survives.

Mrs. Garman is survived by her husband, Lee, of Manito; one daughter, Jamie L. (Darrin) Vance, of Forest City; three grandchildren: Stephan M. Simmons, Derrick Vance, and Damien Vance; four great-grandchildren, Sophia R. Simmons, Leia R. Simmons, Logan M. Simmons, and Liam E. Vance. Also surviving are three siblings: Patricia A. Derks, of Scofield, Wisconsin, Kim J. Simmering, of Ft. Meyers, Florida, and Kent B. Simmering, of Port Orchard, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Page Ann Garman, and brother, Kevin S. Simmering.
Mrs. Garman was a member of Manito Community United Methodist Church. She was a cosmetology teacher, owner of BJ & Company Photos, and worked as a teacher’s assistant at District 150 for seventeen years. She enjoyed making jewelry and was an active seller at the Manito Popcorn Festival, Havana Oktoberfest, and several other fall festivals. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family and other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at Manito Community United Methodist Church, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Forest City Cemetery. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to her church, Forman Fire Protection District, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.