On February 10th of 1966, Karen Michelle Henderson was the last of 5 children born to the late Dorothy and Allen Henderson. Early on she was regarded as an intelligent little girl, leading to her acceptance at the Merion Mercy Academy for girls in Montgomery County. She continued on to attend the Girls High School of Philadelphia and graduated from Martin Luther King High School in 1984. She graduated from Community College in 1995 and began the Occupational Therapy program at Temple University. Shortly after her high school graduation, she took on the responsibility of being the full time care taker for her mother. She was most diligent and caring in this task. Patient, loving, and protective, all the while making her mother laugh. As she did us ALL. In 1991, she gave birth to the love of her love life. Kris with a K. Karen worked diligently as a single parent to provide a firm foundation for Kris. Her role crossed all bounds in our family. As the baby sister, she grew up with her nephews and they loved every minute together enjoying overnite camp with the YMCA and long weekends together. Telling jokes and watching spooky movies was always on the agenda. She was always the favorite – favorite aunt, friend, and sister.
In 1999, Karen joined Verizon Communications as a 411 operator. Although she was never in the group that arrived early for work, she was dedicated to that line for 13 years before retiring.
This afforded her the time to spend with her family, in particular her father. She was his pal. She also focused on developing her spiritual growth and development. Karen accepted the Lord early on in life and her faith was firmly focused on him throughout her adult life. In 2017, Karen was ordained as a Minister. Over the years, she was a faithful member of Greater Love Fellowship Church, Ark of Safety Christian Church, and Mouth of God Ministries. She continued with seminary school and in 2019 she was elevated to Elder.
She will be remembered for all the hilarious things she said. Her off the cuff comments that made you cry laughing. Her care and concern for others was always genuine. She was the most forgiving person anyone knew. She had a beautiful spirit and a lovely woman, proud of who she was. She loved everyone in her orbit. Her life is a reflection of God’s love and grace. Karen was the lynchpin of our family and sometimes, yours. She will always be known as a nurturing comedian. She was the life of any party, even when there wasn’t one.
Karen confidently departed this life on Good Friday, April 2, 2012. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Allen and Dorothy Henderson.
Her memory will be cherished by her only son Kristopher Henderson; 3 sisters, Lavinia, Allene, and Donna; 1 brother Allan; 2 brother-in-laws, Willie and Morris; 3 granddaughters, Nylah, Az’Zirah, and Az’Zora; 9 nephews, Jesse (preceded her in death) Billy, Tony, Allen, Taj, Damien, Evan, Jermaine, Morris; 2 nieces, Chanel and Kelly; her friend and caretaker, Angie; and a host of other family and friends.
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