Obituary of Audrey Janel Karr
Audrey Janel Hebert Karr, a cherished sister, Mom, Memaw and friend whose love for life and The Lord was as vast as her kindness, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 in Minooka, IL. She was born on May 26, 1936 in Beaumont, TX and throughout her 87 years, she cultivated a legacy of love and generosity that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Audrey was a ray of light in the lives of her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Rogers (Lynda) Karr Jr, Woody (Diane) Karr, Greg (Renae) Karr and Becky (Terry) Feeney. Her legacy continues through her 5 adoring grandchildren: Misty (Ken) Kibodeaux, Nathan (Robbie) Karr, Tim (Jena) Karr, Kevin Karr, and Caleb Karr. She had 7 great-grandchildren Tyler, Ashlea, Brandon, Ely, Daisy, Iggy and Jace AND 5 great-great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Carson, Waylon, Alice and Chloe, all of whom she enjoyed greatly. Her sister, Beverly Hebert, sisters-in-law Jacquie Hebert and Alice Karr and numerous nieces and nephews, also will hold dear the memory of Audrey’s spirit. Her special friend Tom “Bear” Wills will dearly miss her as well. She also had a great love for her grand-dog, Butterball and all his puppy kisses. Audrey now joins her beloved husband Rogers Sr, her parents Velma and Elwood and her brother Billy in eternal peace.
Audrey attended Southpark Baptist Church in Beaumont TX from the time that she was a young child. She came to know The Lord as her Savior at the age of 15 years old. She met her husband Rogers on the steps of that church, married at 18 and was married for 40 years until he tragically passed. Her faith was strong and unwavering through any and all trials that came her way. She relished the chances to go on mission trips and was able to lead her brother to The Lord on one of those trips. She was known for her never-to-be-humble opinion, spoken in her soft southern accent but also her knows-no-bounds generosity. She was a greeter at Families of Faith Church and everyone knew Miss Audrey their first Sunday. She had a way of making everyone feel at home. She loved to work at the food pantry and to visit the nursing home. She especially loved any babies that she encountered. She had a beautiful soprano voice and enjoyed singing in choir and church praising her Lord. Restaurant servers would be asked how she could pray for them and she would hold their hand and pray for them right there on the spot. She freely shared her faith with anyone who would listen.
She had the opportunity to travel the world with her husband Rogers through his job at Mobil Oil. They spent time in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand where they made life-long friends. They even helped to plant a church in Bell Block, New Zealand. There are fond memories of their 30th wedding anniversary spent in Branson, MO with all 17 of her family together in one house. Audrey loved to see our country and meet new people. She and her sister Beverly visited all but two of the Presidential Libraries. She enjoyed spending time in TX at Christmastime and the joy that her children and grandchildren (and great/great-greats) brought. Her winters were made more pleasant by spending time in sunny Florida playing cards with Becky and Terry, and last year, she took a train excursion from Florida to Illinois via Washington DC with her special friend Bear and was able to stop at Arlington National Cemetery. Traveling was a pastime where she shared laughter and created treasured memories with those she held dear.
Above all, Audrey’s heart belonged to her family. Her love for them eclipsed all else, and she was the embodiment of what it means to be a loving, kind and generous soul. Her warm embrace and genuine concern for her loved ones’ well-being were the hallmark of her character.
To describe Audrey as loving would be an understatement. She was a source of unwavering support and affection. Her kindness knew no bounds, as she extended her generosity not only to her family but to anyone in need. The warmth of her heart was felt by all, and her legacy is one of genuine care and selfless giving.
A visitation for Audrey will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Fred C Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington Rds), Joliet, IL. A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Families of Faith Church, 24466 Eames St., Channahon, IL at 11:00 am with a lunch to follow. Audrey then will travel to Texas to lay beside her loving husband once again at Restlawn Memorial Park, Vidor, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Audrey’s name to Lightways Hospice in Joliet or Families of Faith Church in Channahon.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
