Karen Joanne Mullikin

Like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Karen Mullikin touched more people’s lives than she could have ever imagined. As a registered nurse she helped patients and staff, first at the former Georgia Baptist Hospital, switching later to Piedmont Hospital’s ICU Red unit in Atlanta. She became an expert as a cardiac nurse and was tasked with training nurses in cardiovascular care.

In this role, her creativity shined. She designed games, songs, and props to facilitate learning and skill development in a fun and memorable way.

Outside of work, Karen enjoyed singing in church choir, the Georgia Baptist Hospital Student Nurses Choir, and the Greg Colsen Chorale. She enjoyed dancing and participating in competitive ballroom dancing. And the meticulous way she wrapped Christmas presents made you hesitate to open them because each was a work of art.

Plagued by health problems in her later years, Karen passed away from congestive heart failure on June 19, 2025, at the age of 68. Despite chronic pain and other health issues, she maintained a positive attitude and sense of humor until the end of her life.

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, she lived in five states before coming to Atlanta. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1974 and from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing in 1977.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia Mullikin. She is survived by her brother, Tom and wife Ginny Mullikin of Colorado Springs, CO; and sister Sara and husband Stephen Valk of Atlanta; and sister Robin and husband Richard Reuben, St. Louis, MO. She also leaves her beloved nieces and nephews: Kate and Mary Mullikin, Cameron and Nolan Valk, Patrick and Daniel Reuben.

A graveside service will be held at Fairview Memorial Gardens,164 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, GA 30281 at 12:00 p.m. on November 10, 2025.