Karen D. Brown

The Book of Life for Karen Denise (Powell) Brown was opened on April 21, 1952 In Woodlawn, OH born to the late Charles Maceo and Lottie Mae Powell. She was one of five children born to this union. She departed this earthly life, Saturday, February 6, 2021.

As the pages of life turned, Karen spent her youth in the communities of Woodlawn, Glendale, Lincoln Heights and Lockland. Having graduated from Princeton City School District, she met friends wherever she went. Those friendships would grow into bonds that were never broken. She loved family, friends and life.

After graduating high school, she went on to attend the historically black college, Tennessee State University, later transferring to The Central State University (also a historically black college), where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education. It was only fitting that she became a teacher because it was part of who she was, as her mother had also taught. Not only was she an educator in the classroom, but also in life. Karen believed in reaching back and teaching others.

In 1974, Karen met Donald C. Brown, Jr. and they were married on November 25, 1978. Of this union, they had four children; Kellie (preceded her in death), Donnie, Brittney and Megan. Karen and Donald knew each other completely, where others knew only in parts. They were each other’s life partners for 42 blessed years. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, while also sharing a passion for travel and meeting new people.

Karen confessed Jesus Christ at an early age as her personal savior at First Baptist Church of Woodlawn, under the late, Rev. Dr. Earnest L. Benson, Jr. She joined her father at Quinn Chapel AME Church under the late, Rev. Donald H. Jordan, Sr., now Rev. Fredrick A. Wright, Sr. She was a faithful member until her passing.

To cherish her memory, Karen leaves behind the following; her loving husband, Donald C. Brown, Jr.; daughters, Brittney (Alphonso) Peterson and Megan (Benjamin) Brown-Richardson; and son, Donald (Leslie) Brown; her four grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Ben and Harper; brothers; Donald (Coretha) Powell, Charles (Edna) Powell, Jr. and her cousin/brother, Clyde (Beverly) Wilkerson; sisters, Brenda Bell, Barbara (Charles preceded in death) James; mother in law, Bernice Brown and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers, and sisters in law and beloved friends.

We are all beneficiaries of her straightforwardness, very funny sense of humor and kind heart. These are only some of the attributes she carried all of her life.

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