Mother to many and friend to all, Elizabeth “Beth” Jean Dempsey, passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, July 27, at age 59. Beth succumbed to COVID after years of battling respiratory illnesses, COPD and emphysema.
She is survived by her sons, Jason (Samantha) and Tony (Tracie); her brother, Will Kimbell; and preceded in death by her beloved husband, Christopher Jason Dempsey.
Beth was born Nov. 9, 1962, in Houston, Texas, to William Hale Kimbell Sr. and Jean Elizabeth Kimbell. Beth grew up in Maryland where she enjoyed her childhood along the eastern seaboard. She married Christopher in 1985.
They had two sons and moved to Evanston, where they spent the rest of their lives together.
Beth remained a vibrant and independent woman after her husband passed from cancer in early 2003. She later moved across the country to Sarasota, Florida, with her teenage sons, giving them the opportunity to enjoy their youth on the beach as she had.
At home, she always had music playing. She was known for sharing her wit and wisdom during late-night kitchen hangouts with her boys and their friends. Her door was always open. Beth enjoyed the company of her many dogs over her lifetime. She loved travel, music, art, and new experiences shared with those she loved. Beth loved to party.
Beth looked forward to the birth of her first grandson by her oldest son, Jason and his wife Samantha Nelson, and the wedding of her youngest son, Tony, to Tracie Wilson in October.
We would like to thank Dr. Firth, the care team at Applegate Hospice, and nurses at Woodland Park Care Center. A special thank you to everyone who loved and helped Beth over the years.
A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. on Sept. 4, at the Bear Ponds Community Center and Pavilion in Evanston. All are welcome to attend.
Her name is to be engraved in a memorial stone and placed at the Bear Ponds later in September.
