Karen Louise Kelley-Van Pernis

Karen was born in Union City, Tn and lived there until she went to college at East Tennessee State, graduating in 1973. Karen’s career path over the years took her to Tennessee, Georgia, and finally to Jacksonville, Florida.

Karen was best known locally for being President of a local IT staffing company that she ran for many years before retiring. During that time, she gleefully joined the Board of directors for the local Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville. She eventually became the president of the board and was happy to do what was needed to enhance the organization.

After retiring she became a Florida Master Gardener, Volunteering with Saint John’s County Agricultural Center. She was also an avid fisherman/woman. Karen was most happy when digging in the dirt or on a boat with a fishing pole in her hands.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Karen is survived by her husband Thomas, brother John Kelley and his wife Andrea, step daughter Patricia (Treusdale), brother-in-law Don Van Pernis and his wife Cheryl Arnold, exceptional friend Trudy Bradfield and husband Joel, and many other dear friends too numerous to list.

Rest assured she will be keeping an eye on all of us.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Kelley-Van Pernis family.