Karen Lynn Brown

Karen Lynn Brown, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, departed this world to be with the God she served on Saturday, January 1, 2011. Born on May 18, 1949 in Terrell, Texas, to Janice and Henry Hampton, she grew up in Kansas and Arizona, moving to Gilmer with her husband DeWayne and young children, Marcie and Lonnie, in 1984. Karen taught school for many years at Union Hill and later at Northeast Texas Community College. Karen was devoted to her family. In addition to DeWayne, Marcie, and Lonnie, she leaves grand-daughter and "light of her life," Kaylie, mother, Janice Hampton, and sisters; Janet Price (husband Al, and daughters Lori and Caron), Sarah Smith (husband Lynn and sons Austin and Kirby), and Cathy Hampton (husband Kevin Creighan.) Karen loved God and the members of the Gilmer Church of Christ where she supported her husband in his service as an elder. Together, they participated as Sojourners, traveling and working with other Christians throughout the country. She served on the Board of Directors at Camp Deer Run, and was dedicated to providing young people the opportunity to grow spiritually in the camp"s beautiful setting. Karen made missionary trips for "Let"s Start Talking" to Estonia, Brazil, China and Romania. Karen loved God, people, her family, and cats. She leaves behind a legacy of service to others. A service honoring her life will be held at the Gilmer Church of Christ on Thursday at 2 PM with Jeff Procter officiating, followed by a campfire devotional time at Camp Deer Run at 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen"s name to Camp Deer Run, 1227 CR 4590, Winnsboro, Texas 75494, campdeerrun.com or Gilmer Church of Christ, P.O. Box 487, Gilmer, Texas 75644.