Verma Harris

Verma DeLois Harris, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in East Peoria, Illinois. She was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Alvie and Bettie Cassel, who instilled in her a strong sense of compassion, resilience, and dedication to others.

Verma was a woman of great intellect and ambition, earning her MBA and using her education to make a meaningful impact throughout her career. She dedicated much of her professional life to helping others, serving as both a counselor and an assistant warden with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Her commitment to uplifting those around her extended beyond her formal career, as she also played a vital role in her family's business, ACT Bending & Steel Company-the first African American-owned tube bending company-where she contributed in countless ways.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alvie and Bettie Cassel, as well as her dear sister, Gloria Cassel-Fitzgerald. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Jessica Schulte; her grandchildren, AJ Schulte and Jordyn Schulte; her brother, DeWayne Cassel; her nephew, Justice Cassel; her nephew and niece, Kimani and Carrie Fitzgerald; her aunt, Catherine Cameron; and a host of family members and friends.

She will be profoundly missed, but the impact of her love and wisdom will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

While there will be no public services, Verma's family will privately celebrate her life. Her family invites you to share your favorite stories and memories of Verma to honor her memory. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial in her name may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Peoria, is assisting her family with arrangements. Verma's family invites you to visit www.peoriafuneral.com to share a memory or send a condolence.