𝔉.𝔄.ℑ.𝔗.ℌ. ℑ𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔞𝔩 𝔐𝔦𝔫𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 ℑ𝔫 𝔐𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔞𝔪: ℜ𝔢𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝒦𝒶𝓇ℯ𝓃 ℐ𝓁ℯ𝓃ℯ ℱ𝓇𝓎
𝒮𝓊𝓃𝓇𝒾𝓈ℯ 𝒥𝓊𝓃ℯ 8, 1955 – 𝒮𝓊𝓃𝓈ℯ𝓉 𝒜𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓁 23, 2020
From Pastor Greg Fry
Psalms 118:17
“I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD.”
This was Karen’s promise from God. She lived it in part while in the body, but now present with the Lord, she is living it to the full. Karen was quiet and reserved for the most part. But she has now found her voice. What might have been lacking in frequency and volume here, has now been transformed into a roar from eternity that is penetrating human hearts with the goodness and praises of her God.
Karen has and always will be a true warrior; a unique combination of a sweet, tender spirit with a fierce determination to persevere. Her sweet spirit quiets conflict and her fierce determination inspires courage.
She fought her final battle on earth gallantly and make no mistake about it, she was and is victorious. She was ushered into heaven’s gates as part of the triumphant procession returning with her Conquering King.
Yes, she is home and healed; she has found her voice and living her Psalm 118:17 promise; and she has heard those joyous words, “well done my good and faithful servant.” Karen is home and enjoying her full inheritance as a child of God – the very thing for which she was created.
I was so privileged to share 34 years with this amazing woman, crossing over that point of spending more years together than apart. It has been such a honor to get to know her, love her and serve her.
I love you so much and till we meet again!!!
From AᴍᴇʟᴅA Thomas-Jones
My Karen I’ll miss you. To me “You were a treasure in earthen vessel”. (Rms 6:7) Friends like you don’t come often. I honor you on Mother’s Day for the love you showered on children you meet. It’s fitting to honor the expressions of motherhood you bestowed on children around the world from Africa to Panama to Oregon. Thanks for the loving memories you left me to cherish for ever. I could never cry because you’ll start crying, and even after I’m done, you’re still crying (chuckle). I’ll see you again I’m sure for “…to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”. (2 Cor 5:8) So long for now dear friend, daughter, and confidant. In the meantime I’ll declare the works of the Lord. I’ll see you again one day.
From Trace
This past week as I reflect on Karen, two colors continue to drop into my mind; purple & gold. Royalty. Appropriate for the daughter of the most High King. Karen ushered The King into every place where her foot came to rest. Not in a loud, boisterous “look at me” manner but in a calm, gentle and quiet one drawing from a deep well of wisdom, grace, acceptance and the very insights of God. Karen radiated the Glory of God (Exodus 34:35), her smile and the manner in which she would look at you eye to eye and listen to your heart as if no one else was in the room; always pointing toward Jesus to seek the answer to a need. Today, I pause and reflect on the reality that she is adorned in the garments of praise which were set aside for her before the beginning of time and am immeasurably grateful for knowing her.
From Kellie
Karen,
You were a special part of very sweet, tender, and Holy moments in my life.
You were here for anointings, Scripture, prayer and fellowship.
Together we took my all-time favorite communion with water and Dave’s Killer bread as that was all we had.
We shared stories, encouragements, sandwiches, enchiladas, cookies and laughter.
Most of all, we shared a love for the Lord and each other.
On your last visit you refused to lay down and rest not wanting to miss a moment of our time together. We made plans for you to stop by and have a resting place on your way to treatments in Seattle. I’m so thankful for your “angel flights” making that unnecessary, but sure missed the opportunity to be with you.
I will miss your sweet and gentle ways. I will miss your smile, but you leave me with a lasting smile as I try to imagine what you are experiencing in heaven.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing the paths of our lives to cross on earth and again one day in heaven.
I love you, Karen.
Kellie
From Kathy
High School best friend and wife to her youngest brother
Tears were flowing and throat constricted, I just wasn’t able to say anything [on video] and I apologize. But this is what I want to tell you Karen. I’m very proud to call you family and proud of how you fought your battle; with courage, grace and confidence. Who knew you were such a warrior! Thank you for showing us how to do difficult things. God’s peace and grace be with you. Much love!
From Linda
From Peggy
𝓚𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓷 𝓘𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓮 𝓕𝓻𝔂
𝒜 𝒲ℴ𝓂𝒶𝓃 ℴ𝒻 𝒩ℴ𝒷𝓁ℯ 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉ℯ𝓇
When I think of Karen, I picture her sitting at the feet of Jesus soaking in every word, every action, every expression coming from her Lord and Savior. She loved and adored her Redeemer and devoted her life to serving Him and serving others. Karen loved the details; she transcribed the setting, the words spoken, the scriptures referenced during times of intercessory prayer. I can see the tears flowing from her eyes as she would lovingly journal what the Holy Spirit was speaking. Although Karen had the most beautiful humble spirit, she also had a resolve of steel. Her determination to complete a task and fulfill her mission was evident in her fight for life. Her positive attitude, beautiful smile and came through every challenge she faced. Pastor Greg’s eyes sparkled when Karen laughed. They truly loved each other and loved to serve God together. It was always an honor to be with them. Now Karen is in the presence of Jesus in her heavenly healed body. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”