Karen Francis

Karen Sue Francis (Wright), age 87, passed away on January 16, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas. Born on January 10, 1939, in Mansfield, Ohio, she lived a life marked by compassion, dedication to education, and deep love for her family and community.

Karen graduated from Willoughby Union High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor's in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1961. Her passion for learning and teaching led her to further her education with a Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lake Erie College in 1982.

Her professional journey was defined by leadership and service in the field of private education. Karen served as Head of Phillips School in Painesville, Ohio, from 1972 to 1994. She then moved to Houston, Texas, where she became Head of Lower School at Annunciation Orthodox School from 1994 to 1999. In 1999, she joined The John Cooper School in The Woodlands as Head of Lower School, a position she held until her retirement in 2008. Throughout her career, Karen was recognized for her unwavering commitment to students and educators alike. She believed deeply in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to create nurturing environments where children could thrive.

Karen's legacy extends far beyond the classroom. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Todd Knuth (Troy), daughter Rebecca Wildman (Shaun & Josh), stepdaughter Katherine Hendricks (Richard), stepson Michael Francis (Judy Wolfinger), 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, her beloved cat, Ash.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kent; her parents Audrey B. Wright and Glenn E. Wright; her sister Marilyn "Dorothy" Valentine; and her brothers Robert Wright and Stuart Wright.

Karen found joy in life's simple pleasures—staying loyal and always rooting for her Ohio sports teams, reading books, solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles, cooking new recipes, watching true crime shows, decorating for Christmas (her favorite holiday), tutoring math across all grade levels, playing games on her iPhone, enjoying a glass of Chardonnay with friends or family, and traveling extensively across the nation and around the world. She especially treasured time spent with her family, book club friends, and found renewed spiritual connection through a Bible study group that welcomed her with open arms. Although always a member of the Methodist faith, this group helped deepen her involvement and brought great comfort during recent years.

Karen taught others empathy and compassion not only through words but through action—always putting others before herself. Her life was a testament to kindness, intelligence, resilience, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

May Karen Sue Francis be remembered for the lives she touched so deeply—with wisdom shared freely, love given generously, and an enduring belief that education can change the world. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Christ Church Methodist 6363 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381.
A reception will follow the ceremony at the church.

Accepting donations of backpacks with school supplies!
Also, donations to https://www.savethechildren.org/ or https://www.sepsis.org/