Vivian Smith Koehn

Mrs. Vivian Koehn, 97, of Alabama passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Oakwood Manor in Brooksville, MS. A funeral service is planned for Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Southern Star Mennonite Church in Geiger, AL at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Souls Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. at the church on Wednesday. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Vivian Smith Koehn was born to Alfred and Nettie Smith at Greensburg, Kansas on July 19, 1925. She peacefully passed away on March 12, 2023, at Oakwood Manor in Brooksville, Mississippi. Her childhood years were spent at Greensburg, moving to Cimarron in her youth. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite remaining faithful to the end.

On June 18, 1950, she was married to our father, Emerson Koehn at Cimarron, Kansas. They welcomed 3 sons and 1 daughter into their home. They were engaged in dairy farming and land leveling while living in Kansas. Life was not always easy. After the tragic death of their son, Rodrick, she found fulfilment by going to nurses training, becoming an LPN. Dad was ordained to the Deaconry in 1958 at Cimarron and Mom willingly filled her place as a deacon's wife, being very hospitable.

We moved to Alabama in January of 1975. This was a busy time for Mom, being prepared for unexpected company in a new, growing congregation, and taking many meals to the field. In 1993 Dad and Mom opened Touch of Home Bakery in Livingston, Alabama. This was a challenging but rewarding venture. She made many friends and “mothered” many college students.

Dad passed away suddenly during a doctor’s visit on March 31, 1999, at the age of 75. In 2004 their son, Clark, was tragically taken in a vehicle accident. These were very difficult times for Mom, but again she found comfort and fulfillment in reaching out to others. She continued working at the Bakery as long as she could.

To be nearer to her dear sister Edna, she moved to Oakwood Manor in 2014. She loved the staff and appreciated the loving care she received there.

Mom was a woman of faith and a prayer warrior, praying for each one of us daily. She touched many lives, freely sharing her convictions and encouragements in an endearing way. We treasure the example she left us.

Left with fond memories are her children: Steven J. and LeZetta Koehn, Elkton, Virginia; Linda and Clinton Dirks, Geiger, Alabama. Grandchildren: Brent Koehn; Ryan and Ashley; Kevin and Melinda, all of Elkton, Virginia; Crystal and Alex Koehn; Andrea and Joel Koehn, Geiger, Alabama. Eleven Great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Geneva Smith, Moundridge, Kansas. Along with many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, two sisters and one brother.