Karen Lynn Jones, age 69, a resident of Garfield Hts. entered fully into the presence of the Lord on December 14th, 2023. She was born on Mary 19, 1954, in Warren Ohio to the late Morris McDonald (Mac) and Mabel Williams. As the eldest of their children, Karen graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Ohio where she set an example for her younger siblings in conduct, diligence, and dedication to others.

By the age of 12, Karen was inspired by the late Bishop Lewis Q. Fitpatrick and his wife, Lady Mary Fitzpatrick to devote her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. She faithfully attended their church, Calvary Pentecostal Church, now known as Calvary Apostolic Assembly, where she was baptized and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost on May 21, 1967. Church became an essential part of her life, and her heart’s desire was to point others to the Lord. She utilized her talents and faith to serve in various roles throughout the church including Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent, Usher Board, Nurses Guild, Musician, Choir Director, Youth Leader, Missionary, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Golden Gems Founder, and more. Karen once said, “I did everything except for preaching.” Howbeit, one could argue she even accomplished that by ministering to others with daily Facebook scriptures and uplifting messages about Jesus Christ.

Karen simply loved to serve wherever she was needed, and her servitude became a hallmark of her character. In the community and local schools, she became a trusted advocate for positive change and connecting at risk youth and young adults to helpful resources. Karen was endearingly known in the community as a no-nonsense faithful woman who led Boy Scout Troop 257, volunteered at homeless shelters, food banks, El Hasa Temple as a cook  and served as charter PTA member of the Cleveland Chapter which extended for a period of over 25 years.

In addition to a giving and generous heart in the community, Karen had a strong passion for music. She loved playing the baby grand piano her mother purchased years ago, which still sits in her home today. Karen’s powerful singing voice gained the attention of many in church services. When she sang, the church would surely feel the presence of God.

Karen’s talent for cooking was even greater than her musical talents. She had an incredible love for feeding people which led to the launch of her private catering business. Karen was the go-to caterer for many church functions, school programs, weddings, funerals, birthday parties and more. When she wasn’t catering these types of events, she was preparing meals for John Adams High School Football Team (coached by Gene Young and Angelo Wilson), Track and Field Team (coached by Coach and Mom Holland, Mr. Stanback, and Ms. Gary). She even fed the local RTA Bus Driver, Postal workers, Construction Workers, and Police Officers during their lunch breaks from her former Kinsman Road home. Her hospitality and love for people were truly among her greatest gifts.

Karen’s primary role was a dedicated mother to her own children and many others. She was proudly known as “Mother Goose” and a strict disciplinarian to the neighborhood children. In Karen’s care, parents could be certain that their children would 1) learn to clean, 2) get a home cooked meal, 3) endure a spanking with her famous wooden paddles (that had everyone’s name on it) when needed, and 4) attend church service. While at church, children were held to a high standard of respect for God’s House, including no sleeping, talking, chewing gum, or horse play.  She partnered with her lifelong church friends, Sis. Rosia Woods, and Sis. Wright on maintaining order during church service. Many of those children grew up to love Karen more for teaching them to behave and adhere to rules.

Karen was proceeded in death by her Father Morris (Mac) and her Mother Mabel, her brothers: Carl “Sonny”, Leonard “Gooch” and sisters: Peggy, Judith “Judy”, and Mary.

Karen is survived by her sisters: Robin, and Shirlene, her daughters: Kelley and Tawny & husband (Herb); her son’s: Dominique “Mann” & (Nyesha), Mario, Torey & wife (Aquila). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Terrell, Jazmyn, Brittani, Torey Jr., Tacari, Ashayla, Tori, Harmony, and Deayjah. Her other children include Marcus, Shannon, Angie, Lisa, Angel, Tameika, Mary, Larry, Neale, Tim, Norman, Joe, and Robert, as well as a host of other family, friends, and loved one’s.

Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers, and monetary gifts of love.

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