Karen Lynn Petite

Karen Lynn (Cooks-Patterson) Petite, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Valentine’s Day, at the age of 71. She was born on August 27, 1954, in the Stop Six neighborhood to Clyde David Cooks and Geneva Delores Cooks (née Nichols). She graduated from Dunbar High School in the class of 1972, for which she held much pride and love.

Karen’s life was marked by her kind, giving nature and maternal care, which she extended to many. She held a zest for life, shown through her laughter, beautiful smile, travel, cooking, and the unforgettable love she spread.

She worked in medical insurance for over 40 years while also passionately catering meals from small gatherings to large parties. Karen was actively involved in the arts, from running the box office to performing on stage at the Jubilee Theatre, where she discovered another joy and passion in life. She also spent many hours volunteering at the American Heart Association.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva Cooks and Clyde Cooks; her sister, Cynthia Cooks-Taylor; her brother, Dale Cooks; as well as the love of her life, David E. Patterson. She is survived by her sons, David M. Patterson, Aaron Petite, and Kevin Petite; as well as her siblings, Clyde David Cooks III, Christopher D. Vann (Goldie Vann), and Mitzi Cooks-Davis (widow of Jimmy Davis). Additionally, she leaves her memory to be cherished by her grandchildren, David A. Patterson, Davidra M. Patterson-McKenzie, Sheldon Patterson, Larenzo D. Patterson, Aryana Petite, Aaron D’Avon Petite, Amaya Petite, and Aaydon Petite. There is also a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends, whom she loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, TX 76016, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.