Kathleen Farr Zinn, 83
November 17, 1941 – February 3, 2025
“…And Then There’s Mom”
Kathleen Farr Zinn, a beloved and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at the age of 83. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, her boundless love and infectious sense of humor touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on November 17, 1941, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to Guy and Gertrude Farr, Kathleen was the third of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude Fitzpatrick Farr and Guy Farr, her stepmother, Gladys Farr, and her siblings: Opaleen Duncan, Bernita Wardlaw, Peggy O’Neal Farr, Willie Joe Farr, and James Andrew Farr.
At the age of 13, Kathleen was baptized at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Pontotoc, where she remained a faithful member until moving to Chicago, IL. She later joined Springville Chapel Baptist Church after returning to Mississippi to care for her sister Peggy following the passing of their father.
In 1961, Kathleen married her childhood friend, Arnette L. Zinn, and together they had two children, Anthony and Karen. In 1972, she met Eddie Brooks, and from that union one child was born, Tisha.
Kathleen worked tirelessly to support her family, holding various jobs over the years, including a long-standing position at Potash Supermarket in Chicago’s Gold Coast, where she retired in 2002. There, she formed deep friendships, shared countless laughs, and became a beloved member in the community.
A woman of unshakable spirit and an even greater sense of humor, Kathleen was the heart of her family—a pillar of strength, a wellspring of inspiration, and a radiant beacon of love. Fiercely devoted to her children, she protected them with unwavering love while gracefully allowing them the space to grow and flourish. She instilled in them the values of integrity, responsibility, and perseverance, ensuring her wisdom and love would guide them throughout their lives.
Kathleen’s remarkable ability to find joy in life was matched by her steadfast resilience and gentle grace. She was slow to anger, quick to forgive, and always found a reason to laugh. Her love for music and dancing filled her home with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories, making it a welcoming place for all.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured moments, carried on by her children: Anthony Zinn (Donna), Karen Zinn-Amos (Walter), and Tisha Franklin; her grandchildren: Falisa Zinn, Anthony D. Zinn, Salihah Shabazz, Andrew Zinn, Shakira Shabazz, Ayana Zinn, Ananda Zinn, Irie Franklin, Darry Franklin, and Zinn Amos; and her 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Kenneth D. Farr and Paula Herrod (Anthony), as well as a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Though Kathleen is no longer physically with us, her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be Friday, February 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Payton Mortuary. Graveside service will be Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Springville Cemetery.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
