Karen Marie Powell

December 14, 1977 - August 12, 2020

Karen Marie Powell, 42, of Irvine, Ky., passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

She was born Dec. 14, 1977, in Estill County. She was the daughter of the late Ruby Powell and the late Johnny Sams. She was a chemistry lab instructor at Eastern Kentucky University where she was also an alumna. She enjoyed teaching at EKU and was pursuing a Master of Arts in teaching at Cumberland University. Education was an important part of Karen’s life. She graduated from Estill County High School in 1996 where she was salutatorian.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards and games and spending time with her family and friends. Dr. Tanea Reed, chair of the Department of Chemistry at EKU commented, "Karen taught for the department as an adjunct for many years primarily in our analytical laboratory courses. If you never met Karen, she was a kind soul and a truly wonderful person. She has been an valuable and integral part of our community and will be dearly missed."

She is survived by three sisters, Debbie, Missy and Gail; two nieces, Wendy (Brandon) Long, Becky (Brian) Barnes and a nephew David (Kristi) Baker that she thought of as siblings; five great nieces, Kaylee Barnes, Jayci Long, Hannah Baker, Sara Baker and Becca Long; and two great-nephews, Dyllon Long and Noah Baker. She had a special relationship with Dyllon, Jayci and Becca.

She is also survived by three aunts, Ethel Willis, Susie Dixon and Lullie Dixon; and one uncle, Johnny Dixon. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Sallie Powell and Artie Sams.

Karen was kind, beautiful, loving, funny and smart and was the rock of support for many in her family. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

Private services will be held at a later date. The Warren F. Toler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.