Karen Jean Lee, 65, of Suffolk, Va., formerly of Monongahela, departed this life on March 25, 2022. She was born on June 21, 1956, daughter of the late Ernest and Muriel Lee. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Lucinda Lee of Monongahela and James and Marjorie Woodson of Belle Vernon. Karen was born and raised in Monongahela, before relocating to the Hampton, Va., in 2001 with her brother, James. Though faced with challenges since she was born, Karen had the memory of an elephant, the purest of spirits and a beautiful, bright smile that lit up a room as soon as she entered. She was employed for a short time at the local McDonald’s and Denny’s. Karen loved her family with all her heart and would look forward to reunions and picnics. While residing in Virginia, she was also active in church and participated on the Aberdeen Neighborhood Committee, where her group home Cornerstone was located. Karen and her mom were like two peas in a pod, and you never saw one without the other. She was active in the gospel choir and was a longtime, faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Monongahela. Karen was also a member and involved with the Mon Valley NAACP with her dad, who was a former president. Left to cherish Karen’s memory is her brother, James Lee and wife Viveca of Suffolk, Va.; and her brother, Robert Lee and wife Cristina of Orlando, Fla. Also surviving are her nieces, Shawnda Joynes (Terrance), Stephanie Lee, Alexandra Lee; and great-nephew, Terrence Joynes; and great-niece Sidney Joynes; and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins. The viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 230 Reed Ave., Monessen, with pastor, Bishop Karl Jackson officiating. Interment will be held at Mon Valley Memorial Park in Donora. Celebration of life has been gently placed in the hands of House of Jackson Memorial Chapel, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, Karl Jackson, funeral director, 724-379-5420.
