Mabel Dorothy Kemp

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Illinois State University

Mabel Kemp Obituary

MABEL DOROTHY KEMP, 86 ROCKFORD - Mabel Dorothy Kemp, 86, of Rockford departed her life on earth and went to be with the Lord at approximately 12:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home. Dorothy was born Nov. 5, 1921, in Heyworth to David Keith and Mabel (Casey) White. She met her husband, James Kemp, while both were students at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. They were married Aug. 2, 1953. Dorothy graduated from Joliet Township High School and earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in education from Illinois State University. She taught second grade for 12 years, then devoted herself to family and other ministries for the rest of her life. A resident of Rockford since 1964, for many years Dorothy was deeply involved in Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northern Illinois, Moody Bible Institute Alumni Association and women's auxiliary of the Gideons International. The last years of her life were devoted to Prayer for Israel, a ministry she began at the age of 79. She taught Sunday school and Children's Church, conducted neighborhood Bible clubs in her home, served as organist and/or pianist at several Rockford churches, and gave private piano lessons. Most recently, she was a part of Windsor Baptist Church. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James; and her sister, Sara. She is survived by her son, David of Chattanooga, Tenn., his wife, Carolyn, and their three children, Melody (Jason) Edwards, Angela and James; her son, Stephen of Ames, Iowa, and his wife, Judy, and their two children, Michael and Sarah; and her nephews, Clyde Floyd of Dothan, Ala., and David Floyd of Arvada, Colo. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford. Funeral at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the chapel of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home, 3470 N. Alpine. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or Gideons International. To send condolences online, visit honquestfh.com.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mabel Kemp

9 Entries

Leslie Willsey Breit

March 9, 2008

My prayers are with the family. I rejoice with Dorothy.

Janice Sturgill

February 25, 2008

My husband and I would like to extend our sympathy to Dave and Steve. Your mother was a blessing to us in many ways. We do not have your address but, if you read this, would love to hear from you. Darryl and Janice Sturgill

Aaron Wolf

February 21, 2008

If Matthew 5 is any indication, Mrs. Kemp will be among those who inherit the earth. Only today, while listening to Steve and then David making their inspiring remarks about their dear mother, did it hit me—how strong this diminutive, godly lady was. It takes tremendous grace and spiritual strength never to make an unkind remark and always to persevere in thoughtfulness. God grant us all the grace to be strong like Mrs. Kemp.

Michelle (Sturgill) Beard

February 20, 2008

I wanted to thank the family for the many times that they shared their precious mother with us. She was my favorite piano teacher of all time. What spoke the most, though, was her sweet testimony for Christ.

Sheila Wharram

February 20, 2008

Praying for the entire family in Mrs. Kemp's homegoing. She was a sweet and precious lady who endeared herself to all who knew her, especially her friends at International Board of Jewish Missions.

Diane Smith

February 20, 2008

So sorry to hear of your loss.Mrs Kemp gave piano lessons to both of my daughters Melissa Smith and Angie Olseen (Smith). Mrs. Kemp always said Angie would be a paino teacher and that she is. Mrs Kemp touched so many lives she will be greatly missed but we know she is in a much greater place. I am sure playing beautiful music. your family is in are thoughts and prayers.
Diane Smith

Ann-Marie (Trotter) Soderstrom

February 19, 2008

I have many memories of Mrs. Kemp from childhood, and what strikes me the most now is how much she loved the Lord, and how it showed in her face each time we spoke.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Beverly Crowell

February 18, 2008

David & Steve; Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. The Crowell's Bev, Cay, Jim & Kim

Robin Munds

February 18, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I knew Mrs. Kemp when I was a lot younger when we went to Berean Baptist Church. Hi David and Steve it's Robin McVay (John Dukey's sister) It's been along time. So sorry about your mother and father, didn't know your father passed away. I try to read the Rockford paper a couple times a week. I live in SE Kansas now. Take care and God Bless!

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