Karen Cox Spellings

Born: January 7, 1947

Died: May 25, 2024

Age: 77

Karen would like you to know that her work here is done. She received a call, sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an all expense paid luxury vacation from which she will not be returning. This never ending trip comes with a bonus, a reunion with friends and family, most importantly with her cherished parents, Honey & Dado, that she has not seen in 10 years. This vacation takes her to a wonderful 10 star resort where she will be socializing, gardening & laughing to her hearts content, fulfilling the promise of her loving LORD.

Karen Cox Spellings was the first born child of Eb & Willa Cox, coming into this world on January 7, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended St. Patrick’s School, Hamlin Jr. High and was a member of the W. B. Ray graduating class of 1965. Karen began her collegiate education at TCU in Fort Worth where she majored in Business Administration. She was a member of The Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority In 1967 she relocated to Austin and enrolled at The University of Texas. In the summer of 1968 Karen drove to Hollywood to join her life long friend Farah Fawcett who was pursuing a career in acting and modeling. At the end of the summer Karen returned to UT to continue her studies. In 1969 Karen met Robert Spellings and soon they married and began a family with the arrival of their first child Dude. Within a few years Britain, their second son was born. After the birth of her boys Karen’s life was defined by finding and sharing joy with her family, friends and community projects. She became a major volunteer and fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

In the 80s, Karen put her college Business Administration education to work. She took a position with Driscoll Hotel in Downtown Austin as an event planner. She also worked in the real estate industry and shared her sense of style and taste in the high end women’s clothing and retail gift business. And she worked on the west coast as a special assistant to Farah Fawcett. Karen had a special place in her heart for the elderly so she passionately volunteered at Seton Hospital to help the elderly and focused on their needs. Karen was a great friend to many and she knew how to handle the hard stuff well. When a friend or family member had a “time of need” Karen would not ask “What can I do?” She would simply show up and start doing. You wanted her on your team- and there are many teams out there that will feel her absence.

Karen liked music. Her favorite songs where “My Way” by Frank Sinatra (Go figure?) and “Nothing I can do about it now.” by Willie Nelson. She liked staying up late, driving fast and laughing hard. Her laughter was infectious and her spirit was unyielding. Karen faced life's trials and cancer with dignity and courage that was awe-inspiring, and a determination that was unstoppable. She taught the true meaning of resilience, the power of hope, and the beauty of life. Let us celebrate the life she lived, the love she shared and the dreams she chased.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Elbert & Willa Cox. She is survived by her sons Britain Spellings and Robert Spellings, Jr. (Kelly) and her grandchildren Gabriella Spellings, Cristina Spellings, Ellis Burgoyne & Lucy Burgoyne.

The family wishes to thank Anita Stratman, trusted friend and loyal assistant.

Flowers are lovely, but helping people was dear to her heart. Donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or Samaritan’s Purse.

Karen’s celebration of life will be held at The Episcopal Church Of The Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor, Austin, Texas on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 @ 2:30PM.