Karen Marie Winton

A star was born on August 1, 1959, to Emma and Vester Russell, Sr. Her name was Karen Marie Russell. Growing up she was a quiet, easy-going girl, good student, and well-liked, making lifelong friends. She was educated in Milwaukee Public Schools attending Ninth Street Elementary School, Wilbur Wright Middle School and graduating from Lincoln High School in 1977. At Lincoln, she was involved in archery and track. After high school, Karen studied stenography at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She considered becoming a flight attendant but chose a career in insurance working for Blue Cross Blue Shield Wisconsin, then later at Third Party Solutions, and Stone River in Memphis. She retired after a two-decade career where she developed lifelong friendships with many who loved and cared about her. Forty-six years ago, Vernard had the pleasure of meeting Karen while working on a neighbor's car. It was ten years later when they reconnected and became soul mates. Each were the apple of each other's eye's committing to one another on February 20, 1988. Together they built a wonderful life for 36 years, rearing their children and grandchildren while living out Christian values. Karen was a proud mother to her sons Stevie and Vee, godson, Rone, and bonus daughter, Keta. She loved them with the greatest love of a mother. She also loved her grandchildren, especially witnessing the birth of her first grandchild, Queen. Karen knew the importance of the first two years of a child's life, having the chance to nurture, love and pour into Edison and Veelah's beginning years. Karen loved her entire family and extended family creating many fond memories. She was known for her infectious laugh and smile, giving and kind spirit, glamourous fashions, delicious foods and displays that were picture perfect, and decorative abilities. She enjoyed shopping, word search books, reading, cooking, entertaining, traveling and being Nana, Nena and Mom. At an early age, Karen accepted Christ and continued to sit at the Lord' feet throughout her life. She was a member of New Testament Church, Milwaukee, WI, and New Sardis Church, Memphis, TN. The Lord carried Karen for many years as she fought the good fight of faith. She stood firm with hope trusting the Lord. Just as He promised, he prepared a place for her. Karen slipped away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a warrior queen who never complained and taught those to look for joy regardless of the circumstance. She ran her race and received her crown of glory. We continue to honor her legacy by living humbly and with gratitude. Preceding her in death, her father, Vester Russell, Sr., brother, Vester Russell, Jr., mother-in-law Louise Winton, grandparents Marie Avery, Comer Russell, Lillie Fowler, Theodore Hilliard, sister-in-law Sharon Winton, aunts, uncles, nephew, and cousins. Karen is survived by her beloved husband Vernard Winton, Sr.; sons Steve Hardin and Vernard Winton, Jr. (Falisha); stepdaughter Naketa Winton-Mimes (Johnny); godson Eddie Rone (Meredith); grandchildren Kaiya, Torian, Demetrious, Cameron, Hezekiah, Queen, Edison, Veelah; Mother Emma Russell, siblings Gloria Quezaire, Gregory Pickett, Marlene Russell (Tyson), sister-in-law Delores Johnson, brother-in-law Fletcher Winton, and a host of loving relatives and dear friends. Funeral arrangements will be held in Memphis, TN and Conyers, GA. On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm., a viewing will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 283 Keough Road, Collierville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Karen. Services held in Conyers, GA will be at Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens located at 699 American Legion Rd NE, Conyers, GA. On Friday, September 13, 2024, visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm with family hour from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Karen's Celebration of Life Service and Interment will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, with visitation from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, and service beginning at 11:00 am. Special thanks to the staff at West Cancer Center, Memphis, TN, and Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Nashville, TN who cared for Karen during her treatment journey. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Karen Marie Winton

August 1, 1959 - August 31, 2024