Karlyn Cox

Karlyn Lee Cox, nee Chapman, 86, born Tuesday, January 11, 1938, in East. St. Louis, IL, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Addington Place in Edwardsville, IL

Karlyn was raised Catholic and attended Holy Rosary grade school and St. Teresa Academy high school in East St. Louis. Attendance at an all-girls Catholic school instilled respect, responsibility, and promoted compassion and a strong sense of pride for her, and others, that she embraced throughout her life. She faithfully wore her St. Teresa class ring. More than once, on overseas vacations her ring sparked up conversations with former school attendees.

Karlyn married Jay in 1956 and dedicated her early married life to her family, raising her children and being a stay-at-home Mom. She was often a Room Mom, helping out at school activities. She was a Girl Scout Leader and emersed herself in the scouting organization. The family often vacationed at Montauk State Park where she enjoyed camping and fishing. She became an avid angler with her own equipment in hip wader boots always catching her limit.

When Jay had the opportunity to work as a State Farm Insurance agent in Cahokia, Karlyn worked hand and hand with him ensuring the office ran smoothly; they were definitely a State Farm Team. They were devoted community supporters and Karlyn dedicated much of her free time helping to improve the village. Karlyn was on the park board where she was instrumental in executing and expanding a community dream of building a municipal park with a playground, picnic area and a large pool. Her son, Mike, and his buddies loved riding mini bikes. Karlyn joined other parents and facilitated the creation of a mini bike park so kids could have a safe location to ride. She was a member and president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, raising money for community events such as 13 Star Day Celebration and a Welcome sign to their community.

When Karlyn and Jay became empty nesters in the 80’s, it was her time to use her talents for something fun for her. She opened a gift shop “A Touch of Country” on the corner of 159 and 162 in Maryville, Il. The shop gave other crafters, artists and local enthusiasts an opportunity to sell their creations. She created a booming business that was a win-win for everyone.

Karlyn and Jay enjoyed traveling throughout their life particularly in the United States taking lots of road trips. They played car bingo, sang songs and played slug bug showing their kids and a few of their children’s friends the beauty of our country. They also traveled to Mexico, Canada and several countries in Europe. They owned a home and boat for a time on Lake of the Ozarks.

When it was time to retire. They chose to be close to their son Mike and his family. They couldn’t wait to hang with the grandkids! Unfortunately, time was cut short by Jay’s illness and Karlyn dedicated her time to caring for him at their home in Missouri. This wasn’t easy for Karlyn but she was there for him until his death on November 2, 2011.

Karlyn returned to community service. Now living in O’Fallon, Mo, she became a member of the city’s Senior Advisory Committee and was a proud graduate of the Civilian Police Academy. She dedicated much of her time at the police department and helped raise community awareness of the need of a new police facility. Her efforts contributed to a new facility being built.

Then at the end of 2017 her children became aware that Mom needed help. She was diagnosed with dementia and now it was time for the kids to take care of Mom. She moved to Illinois and have been cared for by her son Mike and daughter Carla. Even living with dementia her spiritedness shined thru. She often told her care givers she loved them, made them laugh and entertained them.

Karlyn was a multi-talented woman; a good cook, seamstress, photographer and family historian. She was a very creative person. She was a lover of all animals, especially cats. She had an incredible enthusiasm for so many things, especially her family. Karlyn was a bright and shining star for anyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Beloved husband: Allan (Jay) Cox
• Parents: Earleen (Louie) Soulney and Vince “Bud” (Hulda) Chapman
• Brother-in-law: Kevin Grimes

Surviving is her:

• Daughter: Carla (Jim) Eilers of Lebanon, IL
• Son: Michael (Mona) Cox, Wildwood, MO
• Grandchildren
  • Rick (Shi) Cox
  • Catie (Luke) Arndt
  • Tom (Rebecca) Cox
  • Christopher Cox
  • Grace Cox
  • Isabella Cox
  • Samantha Cox
• Great-grandchildren
  • Emma
  • Nayomi
  • Linkoln
  • Athena
  • Malakai
  • Anna
• Sister: Sandy Grimes of Maryville, IL
• Rich Soulney of Collinsville, IL

The family would like to give a special thanks to:

• Hospice of Southern Illinois, Jane, Danielle, Jennifer and the entire Orange Team.
• Addington Place of Edwardsville gave her excellent care and love. They became family to all of us!
• Karlyn was fortunate to not walk this journey alone the last few years. Beyond her children her sister Sandy, Dana Bemis and Diane Thomas showed her love and support.

Memorials:In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Belleville Area Humane Society.

Visitation:Visitation from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois and from 9:30 am – 10:30 am Thursday, December 5, 2024 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.

Funeral:A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, December 5, 2024 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home