Karyn Freeman

With our deepest sorrow, we announce Ms. Karyn Freeman made her transition on May 31st in her home in Galesburg, Illinois, at the age of 58, after a long difficult battle with Post-Covid lung disease since August 2021.

 Karyn Freeman entered this world via Chicago, IL on January 10th, 1964 to the late Mr. Ursel Woods and Sally Evans.

 Karyn is survived by her daughters JoAnna (Gregory) Kelly (Ford) of Evans, GA, Tamika Beckom of Sioux Falls, SD, Tracey McDonald (Beckom) of Galesburg; her sisters Lorraine Washington (Woods), Josephine “Renee” Williams, LaVerne McQuirter; her sister-in-love Ruby Turner, Debra Duckett, Frankie Strickland, Hazel Hodge; her brother Richard (Tonya) Lewis, Arnold (Robin) Woods; 20 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a vast host of very close nieces, nephews, cousins, family-friends and friends.

Karyn started her life from 1964-1988 in Chicago. She had the honor of gaining a second mom by the name Birder Roberts from the age of six months to five, and that relationship was ever present until she passed in 2017. Karyn attended Tilden Technical High School in Chicago, but due to her zest for life she found herself in love and bearing her first love child Hassan Ford with Jimmie Ford. She later saw the value in committing to Darren Beckom and through her marriage bore her 3rd and 4th children, Tamika and Tracey. Searching for a better life, she packed up her life, her husband and children and set course to Galesburg, Illinois. She set out to rebuild her village, dragging her sister Lorraine and sister in love Ruby with her, and forming magnetic friendships with a host of loved ones in this sleepy town. She temporarily moved to Davenport, Iowa, but missed her village and returned. Karyn found love again in Galesburg and married Harold Freeman in 2004. She then decided to dedicate her time to legally raising her grandson Nai'Sean, a relationship that was unmatched to this day. Always having a strong work ethic, she held a vast array of jobs from cafeteria and recess lady at her kids' school, janitorial work at Cottage Hospital, grocer at Giants Foods and finally landed her 22 year career in construction with Labor Local 538. 

 Karyn was a force to recon with. She was the one to call when you need refuge sought for your child, a quick $30-$300, or someone to talk to and give it to you straight. Her activities included celebrating with her family and friends, going to bingo, playing them numbers and jumping on the highway to gamble on the casino boat. She led her life with her best representation strength and persevering past her struggles. The definition of a hustler, she made sure to keep a skill that would make a dollar.

 Karyn was preceded in death by her parents Sally Arnold (Evans), Ersel Woods, her godmother Virginia (Birder) Roberts; her son Hassan Ford, her brothers, Joseph Evans, Eugene Evans, Earl Woods, and Nathan Bass, and Jackie Woods; her sister Ruth Anne Tobar; her aunt Hertistine Arnold and her Uncle William "Brother" Arnold.

 For better or for worse, you are forever imprinted on anyone you touch.

 A Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday June 4, 2022 at Bethel Baptist Church Galesburg. Visitation will be 9-10 prior to Service. Reverend Kim Bonds will officiate. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.h-p-w.com

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