On January 11, 1960 in Washington, D.C., Pearl and the late Sylvester Smith gave birth to Karen Kay Smith. It was the beginning of 52 extraordinary years of life until January 28, 2012 when Karen was gently called home.

Karen was educated in the public schools of Charles County, Maryland. She graduated from Lackey High School in 1978. She acquired certification through training to work as a Nurse's Aide and she greatly enjoyed her work. Some of her places of employment were Civista Medical Center and Clinton Nursing Home.

She joined Zion Baptist Church early in life and later joined Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church. One of her greatest pleasures was attending gospel programs.

Karen was a loving, caring, friendly person who loved to give to others. She had no problem sacrificing her own needs so that someone else might benefit, whenever she could. You always knew she was present by her happy laughter. Karen especially enjoyed family gatherings and cookouts.

In addition to her father, Sylvester Smith, she is also preceded in death by her sister, Brenda and brothers, Roger and Michael Smith.

Left to cherish her memories are her mother Pearl Smith, brothers; Sylvester Smith, Jr., Stanley, Carl and Kevin Smith; Sisters-in-law; Adrienne Smith, Felicia Smith, Alfreda Smith and Connie Smith, Aunts; Annie Warren, Vyria Cobey, Geraldine Ward, Betty Ross, Alberta Branson, Shirley Lewis, Marlene Buxton and Ann Bethay, Uncles; Nathaniel Warren, James Cobey, Robert Gutrick, Allen Ezell, Jr., Warren Ezell, Eddie Ezell (Barbara), Clarence Ezell (Alberta), James Ezell (Carla), good friends; Lisha and Trisha; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Viewing at 10am until time of Service at 11am on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 8705 Gilroy Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland 20662. Interment in the Church Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.