In the early morning hours of July 30, 2020, after a valiant fight with vascular dementia, Karen Ann Cantrell quietly crossed over to be with the angels.
Karen is survived by her loving husband of 22 years Jereme Scott Cantrell, her son and daughter-in-law Jason and Michelle Burrell, grandchildren Issac Burrell, Brandon Harness, America and Ty Thomas, sisters and brothers-in-law Pam and Sam Gerard III, Ang’ele Cantrell and Mike McLaine, mother-in-law and father-in-law Peggy (Lovell) and Stewart Huffman, nieces and nephews Althea and Ronnie Whitaker, Michelle Cordele and Robert Cook, Patsy Folds, Shauna Carr, Joe Hopwood, Timothy and Denise Blazer, Sam Gerard IV, William (Billy Don) and Cynthia Carr and Zachery and Kaci Gerard. Karen is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Modene Ford, sisters and brothers-in-law Donna and Bill Carr, Patti and Bob Bostick, and nephew Johnathan Gerard.
Karen was born on December 13, 1946, and grew up in Fort Worth, TX. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. She later became a hairstylist. For over 40 years cutting hair she also became known and adored by her clients for her instinctive and intuitive advice for their lives, helping them present their best self as they traveled their chosen path. She loved going for long drives with Scott into the mountains in and around North Georgia and North Carolina. She also enjoyed spending time at home with her fur babies, Grey Bear, Powder, Little Bit, and Rascal. Karen loved her family and friends, and spending time with them and sharing life’s joys.
Karen has always been known for her integrity, her sense of justice, her loving and generous heart, and the ability to see the beauty in everyone. The people Karen loved, she loved unconditionally. She will be remembered most dearly for her spirit, the twinkle in her eyes that only hinted at the depth of her soul, her delightful and infectious laughter that made you want to join in, and the life light that she brought into and brightened every room she entered. Karen touched so many lives, lifted so many spirits, and brightened the lives of each and everyone who knew her. The spirit of Karen’s life-gifts to us will live on in the memories and experiences that each of those who knew and loved her hold in their hearts.
This often read poem says it well, “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, always dear.” Thank you Karen for the gift of your love, your spirit, and sharing your joy for life. We love you and forever hold you dear. Your loving husband Scott, family, and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2020, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2020, at the funeral home prior to the service.
The family respectfully request that all guest wear a mask to protect the well being of the family due to COVID-19.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
