Karen Keaton Jenkins

Karen Lee Keaton Jenkins was born at sunrise on May 14, 1944 to Betty and Clarence Kennedy in Evanston, IL. Her father Clarence, loving aunt Gertrude, Eldest son's Keith (Iris) and Kevin preceded her in death. Karen Affectionately gained the nick name "Gee" later in life, which transitioned into Granny Gee as her lineage continued to grow. 

"Gee" was a very inquisitive and sharp child. Growing up as the only girl with three brothers lead Karen on a life full of adventures and journeys. She attended Nichols Elementary in Evanston for grade school and went tot attend Dunbar High School for secondary education. Because education was so important in her home she finished high school at the top of her class. She was also a proud alum of CHARM within Dunbar HS. She furthered her education at Chicago State University where she received her bachelor's degree.

Karen reached adulthood and gained the best title she would ever have, Mother. Keith Anthony, Charles Leland, and Curtis Maurice were her most precious heartbeats. From her conception of them to her eternity Karen loved her sons dearly. Being a mother was something she was very proud of and bragged about often. Aside from being a loving Mother, Karen was a world traveler. She vacationed in several different parts of the world and enjoyed different cuisines. She loved hosting card parties, entertaining within her home and jamming the bx with her favorite music. She was extremely intelligent, exact, assertive and extremely well versed. Being exceptionally astute and professionally sound allowed Karen to explore several different career opportunities.

"Gee" had a passion and a calling to help people. She was for sure a people's person. her studious persona lead her to over 40 plus years of gainful employment. In which she was able to help people from different walks of life and offer need-based services. She was a Property Manager for Chicago Housing Authority for over 20 years, which she retired from. Where she built life long bonds with tenants and workers of public housing. She worked as a Program Manager for Firman Community Services on the South side of Chicago. Which lead to a new-found passion for children and adolescence, leading her to work in the capacity of a Substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools for a couple of years. Her last role before she retired again allowed her to fulfill yet another passion, working for Seniors as a Property Manager for the Catholic Charities Archdioceses of Chicago. Karen's pleasant and positive attitude was solely due in part to the God she served and her life as a Christian woman.

Karen had a very personal and serious relationship with God. She had big faith and told everyone she came in contact with about the God she served. Early on God reveled his pain for her life to her. She accepted the calling that was on her life and was ordained as a Deacon for Sixth Presbyterian Church. She was very active at her church, being a member of the Birthday Club and the Presbyterian Women just to name a few. She always carried the light of God with her and left a little of his grace in every room she entered.

At sunset on February 25, 2019 God called Karen home from labor to rest, to add another rose to his beautiful garden of eternity.

Karen leaves to cherish her Mother, Betty, three brothers Charles Tomas (Jackie), William Stephan (Patricia), Vernon Summer, two sons Charles Leland (Angie), Curtis Maurice (Yolanda). eight grandchildren, Charles Michael (Tamika), Kenitha, Charlese, Curtis Jr., Kenyatta, Demetrius. Jasmine, Nathan, seven great grandchildren, loving extended family; Ejewel and Evelyn, a host of cousins, 

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