Karen L. Jones

Karen LaSchel Smith Jones, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2023. She was only 59 years old. Her family is deeply saddened by her sudden death. Karen was born on May 16, 1964.

Karen is survived by her son Kyle Daniel Jones of Harrisburg, PA; her mother Berneta W. Smith of Harrisburg, PA; sister Kiffinee Smith of Winston-Salem, NC; Aunt Flora M. Reeves of Harrisburg, PA; nephew Grady R. Smith of Charlotte, NC; niece Gabrielle R. Smith of Winston Salem. NC, the newest addition her grand puppy Nico, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Karen was predeceased by her son Kameron D. Jones; her father Grady Leroy Smith; and grandparents James & Arneta Walker.

Karen was baptized at First Zion Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of her uncle the late Rev. Julius V. Reeves Sr. She sang in the youth choir and was on the junior usher board. She also assisted her grandmother, the late Arneta Walker, with various events that were conducted by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Karen was born at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington DC. She grew up in Harrisburg, PA and graduated from Central Dauphin High School where she participated in band, choir, track, and field, & cheerleading. She later attended Prince George’s Community College where she received an Associate’s Degree in Arts General Studies. She later attended Howard University and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her last collegiate accomplishment was receiving her Master of Science in Nursing at Bowie State University.

Karen became a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in November 1999 where she sang on the choir and helped on the hospitality ministry. Karen has been employed with Kaiser Permanente since 2004. She provided 19 years of service as a Nurse Practitioner. Everyday she would remind her family “I have 5 years, 10 months and 28 days until I can retire!”

Karen loved caring for her patients, going on cruises, traveling with her family, and most of all planning a great party. She was most proud of and ready to plan an engagement party for her son Kyle and fiancé Nikki. Another favorite pastime of Karen was she loved shopping and giving gifts. She was dubbed the “Queen of QVC and Amazon.” One of her favorite lines was “I ordered something last night before I went to bed but don’t remember what it was!”

Karen was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of others before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She was a source of inspiration to us all and will be remembered for all the love she shared with friends and family. She truly loved each of them - and if you knew her, you knew it. She will be missed dearly.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers – The Family

The Service will begin promptly at 10 a.m.,

there will be no viewing at the request of the family.