1951
Karen
2016
Karen Ann Cross Martin
October 26, 1951 — November 15, 2016
Karen Ann Cross Martin of Christiansburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her loyal companion, Nahla, by her side on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Karen was born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, on October 26, 1951.
She was preceded in death by her wonderful mother, Phyllis Jean Shankel Cross, her adoring aunt, Shirley La Fern Shankle Wilcox, sister Donna Lee Webster, and her brother Wallace Dee Cross. She leaves behind to cherish each moment they were given with Karen her best friend and daughter, Nicole (Nickie) Blanche Martin-Linkous (Dennis); and true light of her life, granddaughter, Kaitlyn Nicole Dotey; brother, Keith Cross (Mona); and sister, Vickie Wilson.
Those that knew and loved Karen will remember and smile at the following: Karen had a work ethic that never ended, tough as nails! She dressed to the nines – high heels, waist hugging dresses, and beautiful make-up. She loved NASCAR, would have married Jeff Gordon if given the chance, and loved to watch Pro football. Gardening and working outside brought Karen great delight. She never met an animal she didn’t love. Animals were a passion and she passed that on to her beautiful granddaughter, Kaitlyn. Karen was a firecracker! She was quick witted but would easily put you in your place when you needed it. What was never unnoticed or will ever be forgotten was her love for her family. She would drive to Bristol on the weekends to visit with and later take care of her ailing mother. Once Jean passed Karen continued to take care of her adoring Aunt Fern in any way needed. Karen and Nickie spent many weekends in Bristol assisting with family and visiting her brother and sister-in-law.
As we respect Karen’s wishes there will be a private memorial service for her immediate family members at a later date.
She was preceded in death by her wonderful mother, Phyllis Jean Shankel Cross, her adoring aunt, Shirley La Fern Shankle Wilcox, sister Donna Lee Webster, and her brother Wallace Dee Cross. She leaves behind to cherish each moment they were given with Karen her best friend and daughter, Nicole (Nickie) Blanche Martin-Linkous (Dennis); and true light of her life, granddaughter, Kaitlyn Nicole Dotey; brother, Keith Cross (Mona); and sister, Vickie Wilson.
Those that knew and loved Karen will remember and smile at the following: Karen had a work ethic that never ended, tough as nails! She dressed to the nines – high heels, waist hugging dresses, and beautiful make-up. She loved NASCAR, would have married Jeff Gordon if given the chance, and loved to watch Pro football. Gardening and working outside brought Karen great delight. She never met an animal she didn’t love. Animals were a passion and she passed that on to her beautiful granddaughter, Kaitlyn. Karen was a firecracker! She was quick witted but would easily put you in your place when you needed it. What was never unnoticed or will ever be forgotten was her love for her family. She would drive to Bristol on the weekends to visit with and later take care of her ailing mother. Once Jean passed Karen continued to take care of her adoring Aunt Fern in any way needed. Karen and Nickie spent many weekends in Bristol assisting with family and visiting her brother and sister-in-law.
As we respect Karen’s wishes there will be a private memorial service for her immediate family members at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen Ann Cross Martin, please visit our flower store.
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