Bessie Ruth Kohn (née Carroll)

Bessie Ruth Kohn, beloved daughter of Bessie Mae and Henry Overton Carroll, was born on July 7, 1943, in Greenwood, Mississippi. She lived a remarkable life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. On July 25, 2023, Bessie Ruth peacefully left this world to join her late husband, Odiss Kohn Sr., and her brothers, William and Eugene Carroll and Purvis Bruce. Bessie is survived by her only sister Madeleine and brother-in-law, Robert Kelly. Their bond brought them comfort and strength throughout the years.

Bessie Ruth was a devoted mother to her only son Odiss Kohn Jr. (Conchetta). She found immense joy as a grandmother, cherishing her four wonderful grandchildren: Odiss III, Aria, Chase, and Daniel. Bessie was known for her warmth and love, fostering unique relationships with her nieces and nephews, all of whom held her dear.

Bessie Ruth was an active member of Sycamore Street Church of Christ. She touched the lives of many through her passion for god and beauty and became a highly sought-after beautician.

Bessie Ruth Kohn's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved and touched throughout her life. She will be remembered for her compassion and dedication to her family and community.

The visitation will take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will then follow at the funeral home until the burial at Resurrection Cemetery-Romeoville, 200 West Romeo Road, Romeoville, Illinois 60446, scheduled for 12:45 p.m. The family would like to share a couple of poems about Ms. Kohn:

For Our Grandmother:
Are there guardian angels?
We believe so
For God gave us a captivating woman
to help watch us grow

A woman so beautiful
inside and out
She had to be an angel
God let slip out

She was a blessing
from the Lord up above
who taught us life's lessons
through strength, conviction, and love

Someone whose job meant to protect
from all threats and fears
and through storms hold me
and wipe all my tears

A being so special
she's touched the lives of many
and kept us together
at all costs, if any

She was and will always be my Grandma
To her, we do owe
all the joy life can bring
wherever she goes

We love you, Grandma.
Thanks for being you

A Mother's Love, Unmatched and True

In memories bound, a love we embrace,
A mother's love is unwavering and chaste.
She stood as a fortress, strong and aligned,
Protecting my being, body, and mind.
The life of the party, she'd ignite the flame,
With laughter and joy, she'd stake her claim.
Her spirit was so vibrant, her heart full of cheer,
She made every moment a treasure so dear.
Through trials and triumphs, she stood by my side,
Guiding my steps, in her love, I'd confide.
Though she may be gone, we're never apart,
Her love's eternal bond is deeply etched in my heart.
With hopeful hearts, we long for the day,
When we reunite in a blissful embrace, we'll sway.
So, in cherished memories, I find solace and peace,
Her love, forever cherished, it shall never cease.
For a mother's love, unwavering and true,
Transcends all boundaries and carries me through.


You Can Shed Tears That She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she'd want
– smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.