Karen JoAnn (Lyles) Stephens

   Karen JoAnn Stephens was born December 12, 1960, in Fort Wayne, IN to Alberta and Alonzo Lyles. She departed this life on November 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and other family members. 

    Karen accepted Christ at an early age and grew up as a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church.  Karen attended Northside High School, graduating in 1979. She later attended Ivy Tech Community College for Early Childhood Education. She was employed by Fort Wayne Community Schools for 35 years as a Teacher’s Assistant. In 1978 she met the love of her life, Carl Stephens and they married on May 28, 1988. From their union came four daughters, Seatta R. Lyles-Page(Arrington),  Ashley C. Lyles, Joselynn C. Stephens, and Jala Ann 

Stephens. 

    Karen loved the Lord and her family. Karen enjoyed decorating, working in her yard, spending time with her children and grandchildren, finding great deals, entertaining family and friends, and making memories. 

    Karen leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, four daughters, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, seven siblings, Brenda (Jerome) Lewis, Avon(Reginald)  Broadnax, James Nelson, Linda Nelson, Michael (Tawana) Lyles, Rhonda Eaton, Jeffrey Herman, a Great Aunt, Mildred McPherson and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

    Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Alberta and Alonzo Lyles, father and mother-in-law, Carlton and Vernice Stephens, brothers-in-law, Reginald Broadnax and Sam Hatch, Jr.

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