Odessie J. Barmore

Odessie Jean Barmore, 67, transitioned into a celestial being from her earthly life on August 12th, 2024. “Gulley” was born September 6th, 1956 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of mother Gaitha Barmore and father, The Reverend Howard Capus Barmore Jr. She attended Rockford Public Schools and graduated with honors from Auburn Sr. High School, class of 1974. She attended Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL and she graduated from Fernandis Beauty College of Cosmetology in Mt. Clemens, MI in the greater Detroit area. Locally, she was known as “Ms. Diamond Jones”, being the lead vocalist of the “Freestyle R&B Band” in Rockford, IL, and later receiving the title as Empress of the Blues”. She was also affectionately known as “Moma G” for her legendary hip/hop music and her iconic motherly presence to many across the Rockford community. She enjoyed serving in her positions as a precinct committeeman and as an election judge with the Democratic Party. She retired after many years of employment from the City of Rockford at the Rockford Public Library.

She leaves to cherish many loving memories with her family and she is survived by her children, son Dominick Lynn and daughter Dree Lynn of Rockford, IL. Five grandchildren: Domyick Lynn, Joniyah Childress, Domani Lynn, Odyssey Lynn and Ave’a Lynn. Seven God-Children: Akemi Crowley, Cavin Williams, Antwon Lambert, Shalonda Lambert, Stephani Sibounheuang, Aletta Jordan and Katrice Thomas-Miller. Two sisters: Nancy (Harry) Hagger and Mary (Stan) Barmore-Reese of Rockford, IL. Three brothers: Melvin (Antoinette) Barmore of Huntsville, AL and William (Evelyn) Barmore, and Christopher (Maryann) Barmore of Rockford, IL; Special niece, Lennell Barmore and special nephew, Shawn Barmore, and many nieces, nephews, cousins. Special friends: Lola Maclin-Stevenson of Detroit, MI, Janice Stott and and Janine Harris of Rockford, IL, Adicia Tisdale of Fort Wayne, IN, Alesha Sockwell of Long Beach, CA and Glinda “Pig” Lambert of Milwaukee, WI.

She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Eleanor Marks, Irene Lott and Rev. Priscilla “Rose” Adkins, brothers Phillip Barmore, Bruce Barmore and Samuel Paul Barmore. Services entrusted by Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Per Odessie's wishes, a private mausoleum entombment has taken place.