Emmily Bess Osburn-Koehnle Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. E. Bess Osburn, age 92, of Huntsville, TX peacefully passed away on November 21st, 2019. Bess was born in Jacksonville, TX to Jay and Velma Olive McDermett on August 28th, 1927. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Subsequently, she received her doctorate in education from George Washington University. She married Douglas Osburn Jr in 1950. As a Lieutenant Coronel in the Air Force, the Osburns moved frequently forcing Bess to pursue her educational aspirations at multiple universities while working as a teacher and raising three sons. Bess had a long and successful career in education. Most notably, she was Title 1 Coordinator for the Fairfax County School System in Virginia, the largest school system in the United States at that time. Eventually, she retired as a tenured professor at Sam Houston State University, where a Literacy Endowment Fund was established in her honor and her passion for reading and education. Dr. Bess is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Julie Osburn; her son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Ileana Osburn; and seven grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband, Douglas C. Osburn Jr.; John Koehnle; her sister, Dr. Joy Liuzza; and her son, J. Mack Osburn. Condolences to family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

Emmily Bess Osburn-Koehnle

August 28, 1927 - November 21, 2019