Karen J Neu

Karen was born on September 8, 1955 to the late Donald Walker Jarrell and Wanita Sapp Jarrell in Jacksonville, Florida. Karen came to know Jesus as her Savior at a young age and was very involved at Norwood Baptist and North Jacksonville Baptist Church where she made many lifelong friendships. She was a member of the Norwood Singers, sang in the church choir, active in the youth group, played hand bells, taught beginner music class, and had a children’s choir.

Karen graduated from Andrew Jackson High school and was a member of the Civinette Club and the

Sr. Chorus. After attending Florida Junior College, she became a dedicated administrative assistant at several companies throughout her career including Florida Air, Cain & Bultman, and CDI Government Services where she also developed many lasting friendships. Bob & Karen even owned a produce market called BNK (Bob Neu Karen) Produce.

Karen’s desire on this earth was to always shine like Jesus Christ to everyone around her and she did this so well. She was always worried about everyone else and how they were doing, even when she was so sick herself. Karen was well known for her kind heart and thoughtfulness. She always tried to remember everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries and frequently would mail out cards and make phone calls to her friends and family not wanting to forget anyone on their special day.

Karen loved her family well. Karen met her loving and devoted husband Robert George Neu in

1979. They married seven months later and celebrated 40 years of marriage on May 31st. Bob and

Karen truly lived out their wedding vows to each other. They had various trials in their lives as well as lots of good times, but no matter what they always stuck it out together. One proud moment they had together was being able to build and live in their dream house that they worked so hard to have.

Karen and Bob spent many days working in their garden together and sitting on their back porch enjoying the beautiful view.

Karen gave birth to two daughters Melissa (1983) and Amy (1989). Karen faithfully passed down the gospel of Jesus Christ to her girls and later to her grandchildren. Melissa and Amy have fond memories of doing Bible devotions every night where Karen would play worship music on the keyboard and read scripture and pray with them. Karen loved music; a few songs that remind the family of her are “Jesus Loves Me,” “Angels Watching Over Me” and “Nothing but the Blood.”

Karen always said there was something to be thankful for and was very grateful that God allowed her to see the marriage of both of her daughters and the birth of her three grandchildren. One thing that Karen always told her girls and grandchildren was “Feathers.” This was from Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” This is where Karen found her peace and comfort in her life; under Jesus’ wings, and her hope would be that everyone else would do the same.

Karen always said it was so important to go to church as a family and even though she was Baptist, she attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church each Sunday after she and Bob were married. Karen made many friendships over the years at St. Patrick’s, working the annual carnivals and helping out with her kids’ school events.

The family also has many memories of going to the beach, planting day in the garden, Silver Springs, Disney World, Sea World, Suns Baseball games, the Peach Runs in Georgia (that became a yearly tradition to include the grandkids) and family camping trips to Gold Head and Silver Springs State Park, but Karen’s favorite place to go was the mountains. One of her most treasured trips was when she finally got to see the leaves change in the mountains for the first time as a 60th birthday gift. The leaves could have not been any more perfect for her on that Maggie Valley trip.

Karen also was a dedicated Girl Scout leader for both of her girls for 14 years. She made countless friendships and memories during that time with her girls; from camping trips, to award ceremonies, making swaps, theme park adventures, visiting the mountains and even some memorable cruises to the Bahamas.

Karen always enjoyed hosting her friends and family at her home and was well known for her wonderful cooking and baking. She always wanted to make family time special during the holidays as she shared special traditions with her children and grandchildren; including Easter Egg hunts, Bunny Rabbit cakes; always making sure everyone had an Easter basket or treat (even her grown kids and their spouses), putting up the manger at Christmas time, decorating the Christmas tree, going to look at Christmas lights (followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts), reading the birth of Jesus in the Bible on Christmas morning, and having a special Christmas baking day together (same as her parents used to do).

Karen faced several challenges and never complained. She was a survivor of Stage 4 Non Hodgkin’s

Lymphoma and was in remission for nine years; she also lived with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) for many years. In 2019 Karen was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and fought a courageous battle, but this is what ended her earthly life far too soon.

Karen is survived by her husband Robert and her two daughters, Melissa Brogden (Spencer), and

Amy Denmark (Josh), grandchildren Aliyah (8), Nehemiah (6), and Jackson (2), her sister Donna

Dell (Russell) and two brothers Rodney Jarrell and Dale Jarrell (Edie), Uncle Buddy Jarrell (Delaine),

Aunt Katrina Lawson (Gilbert), countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and so many dear friends. Karen was quick to tell of the love she had for her first grandchild, who left us before birth; yet Karen was sure they would meet again in heaven.

Karen had a sweet smile, kind heart, and was loved by so many. She will be forever in our hearts and we will continue to carry the torch she has passed down to us. Till we meet again sweet Karen. “Feathers!”

The family is so grateful and overwhelmed by all of the love and support from so many friends and family. We are also so thankful for all of the “angels” who cared for Karen during her illness, especially during all of the times we could not be with her in the hospital; we are forever grateful.

A service will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery on September 24, 2020 with Pastor Christian Partyka officiating. Due to COVID restrictions this will be by invitation only, but...there will be a Celebration of Life for Karen (open for all) when the COVID Pandemic is over.

Per Karen’s request...

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The PBCers Organization, 1014-A Greenleaf Rd., Rochester, NY 14612 or to Ocean Park Baptist Church 402 16th Avenue South, Jacksonville

Beach, FL 32250.