Karen Joy Romig-Sirmans

Karen Joy Romig Sirmans, age 82, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on February 4th at 3:45 a.m. She was under the care of Community Care Hospice at Baptist South Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. In the days preceding her death, she was surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Karen was born to Frank and Anne Romig on October 17, 1942, in Cleveland Ohio. She was the eldest of 3 children with younger sister Darla, and brother Keith. After the loss of their dear mother Anne, Frank married the lovely Jean and added her daughter Janet to their family. Childhood in Cleveland Ohio was a happy one, surrounded by dozens of extended family members in close proximity. The memories they made and the stories they shared among the many cousins, aunts, and uncles continued to be told year after year with great fondness and much laughter.

Karen graduated from Solon High School in 1960 and went on to attend The Ohio State University, Go Buckeyes! There she studied and earned her degree to become a dental hygienist. Upon graduation, Karen married Robert Haines and moved to Jacksonville, Florida where Karen worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Crouch and Bob as a high school teacher and coach. After years of hoping for a child, they finally became parents when they adopted their daughter Holly Anne in 1971. Although the marriage soon ended, Karen found love again with Maxie Sirmans. When they wed in 1974, they added Maxie’s son Bradley and his sister Pamela to their family. Karen opened her heart and her home to the newly blended family and became known and cherished by all for her big heart, faith in God, and gracious hospitality. Her nephew Matthew Brandt described her in these words, “I don’t think I have ever met a more loving, nurturing, religiously devoted person! She cherished her family and opened her home to the entire extended family year after year until she couldn’t anymore because of her own health challenges. She never let those stop her from giving her time however she could.”

Karen worked as a dental hygienist for 25 years, under the dental practices of Dr. Crouch, Drs. Groom & Wagner, and Dr. Ronald Levin. She took immense pride and care in her work, known by her patients and co-workers as meticulous, hard-working, lighthearted, and kind. Chronic back pain and multiple surgeries precipitated her retirement and soon after Karen developed paraplegia and became wheelchair bound. What would have devastated most, became her ministry. Karen volunteered at Baptist Hospital as a chaplain and began teaching multiple Bible studies in her home. Her keen mind, knowledge of the Bible and cheerful disposition despite her circumstances, became a magnet for those searching to deepen their faith. She has been described by many as a “mentor,” “spiritual mother,” and “the one responsible for leading me to Christ.” Throughout her life, through hardships and physical limitations, Karen’s faith never faltered. Her disposition remained cheerful and her devotion to family and friends remained constant. She will be dearly missed by so many, though never forgotten.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4: 7-8.

Karen is survived by: sisters Darla Scheideman (James) and Janet Disque, and her children: Daughter Holly Anne Kobrin (Craig) and grandchildren Hannah, Benjamin, Luke, Jude, and Norah. Son Bradley Sirmans (Eileen) and granddaughter Rosemarie Grecco (Sage) great grandchildren Waylon and Olivia, Grandson Zachary Sirmans (Ruvi) and great grandson Dirac. Daughter Pamela Guzman Perry and granddaughter Chelsea Nichols (Jamie) and great grandchildren Rylie, Jonah, and Emery.

The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice on the 7th floor at Baptist South for their excellent care, compassion, and guidance during the final days of Karen’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207.