Karen Ann Flautt

Born on February 9, 1959, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Verlon and Minnie Lou Thomas, Karen brought smiles and laughter to all who knew her. A spirited child affectionately nicknamed her mother's "little monkey" because of her love for climbing trees, Karen loved the outdoors and embraced life with boundless energy.

After high school, Karen began her career at Marine National Bank. During this time, a friend introduced her to her future husband, John Robert Flautt, Jr. They married on May 25, 1978, and built a loving, enduring partnership that spanned 46 years.

Karen cherished motherhood more than anything else. Despite facing initial challenges, she welcomed her daughter, Carrie, in 1980, and her son, Bobby, in 1984. A dedicated and loving parent, Karen enriched her children's lives with adventures – days at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, visits to the Museum of Science & History, regular trips to the library, movie outings, and countless days at the beach. As a devoted grandmother to Caenan, Coleton, and Blakely, she showered them with love and support, attending their performances, sporting events, and birthday parties, ensuring they always felt loved.

As her children matured, Karen channeled her organizational skills, love of a well-kept home, and entrepreneurial spirit into a successful house cleaning business of more than 30 years.

Karen's compassionate spirit led her to volunteer at Wolfson Children's Hospital, where she brought comfort and joy to young patients and their families for more than 20 years. A member and regular attendee of North Jacksonville Baptist Church, she found solace and strength in her Christian faith.

Karen possessed a vibrant spirit and a unique ability to find beauty in the world around her. As a talented artist, she captured the essence of nature and people in her sketches and paintings. In her gardens and grape orchard, she found joy, passion, and peace “digging in the dirt” and watching life blossom. Music and dance filled her soul, and she loved traveling and being with loved ones.

Karen will be deeply missed by her husband, John; her children, Carrie McCarthy (Greg) and Bobby Flautt (Candice); her grandchildren, Caenan, Coleton, and Blakely; and her sister, Linda Theodoridis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Verlon and Minnie Lou Thomas, and her beloved brother, Kenneth.

The family will receive friends from 10am - 11 am , and a memorial service for Karen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at North Jacksonville Baptist Church 8531 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wolfson Children's Hospital of Jacksonville, Florida.