Karen Ann Andrews

Karen Ann Andrews, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and faithful servant of Christ, born Karen Ann Applegate on December 1, 1946, in Oklahoma City to Everett Louis Applegate and Gladys Belle Hubbard Applegate. Karen's early years took her through San Antonio, Brownsville, and eventually to Tulsa, where she became a member of Nogales Avenue Baptist Church and attended Pershing Elementary. Her love for music started early, taking piano lessons through much of her young life, even into college and sharing her gift by playing for her father, a talented tenor and barbershop singer. She later passed that gift on, teaching piano to young children. Karen graduated as part of the very first graduating class of Memorial High School in 1965, and went on to attend the University of Tulsa's School of Music that fall. But as she often admitted with a smile, her life took a turn shortly after, and that's when she met the man who would become her husband. She and her husband met at a friend's house in April of 1966, and he knew from that very moment that she was the one. He even went home and told his mother so. After what he says felt like a very long four months of dating, they were married on August 26, 1966,just four days after he turned 18. His brother said "he really married up" and we can all agree that he did. Karen's faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life. Early in their relationship, she made it clear that if they were to build a life together, it would be one grounded in faith. Through her loving influence, her husband found Christ and was baptized just a few months into their marriage. Their life together was marked by deep love, service, and sacrifice. After only six months of marriage, her husband joined the Navy in the spring of 1967. Wherever he was stationed, Karen followed whether it was San Diego, Bremerton, Washington, or Port Deposit, Maryland. Their time in Norfolk, Virginia brought the heartbreak of losing their first child, Joel, who was stillborn. Karen never forgot Joel, and she had hoped to visit his gravesite once again, finally located just last year. Following military life, they settled for a time in Tulsa, where in 1975, they welcomed their son, Michael with whom Karen shared her love of music. In 1981, the family moved to Texas, then to Denver, where she met her daughter in law Stephanie, and eventually back to Tulsa in 2000 when the news came that they would become grandparents to Sarah. Karen embraced the role of "Mimi" with her whole heart. When their second granddaughter Katie arrived in 2005, her joy was complete. Although Karen had worked as an administrative assistant during their moves, upon returning to Tulsa she chose to fully dedicate herself to her granddaughters picking them up from school, attending every performance and event, sewing costumes, baking, practicing piano with them, and investing her time and love into their lives. Nothing was too much when it came to them. In 2008, Karen and Jerry became part of the Evergreen Church family. It didn't take long before her musical talents were put to good use. Karen played for Sunday services, funerals, special events, and wherever she was needed. She served faithfully on the LINK team, taught children's Sunday School, and volunteered in the nursery with a joyful and humble spirit. Karen didn't just play the piano,she ministered through it. She comforted grieving hearts, led congregations in worship, and made God's presence known through every note. Having played for so many funerals, she was clear about how she wanted her own: short and sweet and full of beautiful music ( which she had carefully chosen). So today, we honor that request with a service focused not on sorrow but on gratitude for a life well lived, and a heart so full of grace. Karen was not just a church member. She was a pillar. A friend. A mentor. A shining light. She formed deep friendships within her Sunday School class, and her quiet strength, wisdom, and laughter will be sorely missed. Karen passed away on July 5, 2025, after 58 years of marriage to Jerry, the man who adored her every day. Her life was a testimony of enduring faith, love, and unwavering commitment to her family and her Lord. We say goodbye today with heavy hearts, but also with hope. Because we know Karen is now with Jesus, reunited with Joel, family members, and friends who went before her. We know she heard the words we all long to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant." May her memory be a blessing, and may we each carry forward a bit of her light.

Karen Ann Andrews

December 1, 1946 - July 5, 2025