Karen Elizabeth Smith

Your memory a treasure…

You are loved beyond words,

And missed beyond measure.

Karen Elizabeth Smith, 73, of Houston, TX passed away on July 1, 2018 in Lakewood, CO. Karen went to visit her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren on December 22, 2017 for the holidays. For the next six months, she suffered through a debilitating illness, tests, scans, doctor visits and medications. Though she fought hard, Karen was never cleared to travel back to her home in Texas.

Karen was born in Baltimore, Maryland to loving parents Janet Elizabeth Nourse Barnes and Ashton Harry Barnes on October 17, 1944. As a child, she and her sisters traveled the United States and its then territory Hawaii as the daughters of their U.S. Coast Guard Captain father. Karen graduated in 1966 from Perry Normal School (which was later absorbed by Curry College, MA). Karen met John Lloyd Smith III while waitressing at the Bubbling Brook Restaurant in Westwood, MA in the summer of 1965. They were married on August 3, 1968 in Walpole, MA.

Karen worked as a teacher for many years in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas. She had a true gift for teaching and nurturing young children - especially those who needed some extra help. She loved her grandchildren as much as any Grammie could. Her love of life and learning spread over to all children, family and friends. Karen loved the beach, gardening, playing Scrabble and Trivia, listening to Elvis, dancing, The Houston Texans (especially J.J. Watt), chocolate, and cooking for others.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Janet and Ashton Barnes, her husband John Lloyd Smith III, and her sister Barbara Krug.

Karen is survived by her son J. Michael Smith and his wife Benoite (Nouvellon) Smith; daughter Kristin and her husband David; grandchildren, Caleb, Elise and Sophia Doles. She is also survived by her sister Priscilla Johnsen; Brothers-in-law Dana Johnsen and Larry Krug; Sister-in-law Connie Ostis; her wonderful nieces and nephews along with their children, and many special friends.

A funeral service and reception is scheduled for 2:00pm, Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen’s life. If sending flowers, please choose colorful flowers as Karen’s personality always was…or, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Charity of your choosing in Karen’s name. Thank you.

People unable to attend or those attending who would like to share their thoughts and/or stories can do so on the dignitymemorial.com website. Simply type Karen Elizabeth Smith in the search bar under Obituary. These will later be turned in to a Memory Book.