Lisa Klein

1947 - 2025

Lisa Oakley Klein was born November 25, 1947 in Roanoke, Virginia, and died February 4, 2025 in Grayson, Georgia.

Lisa was tenacious in all ways: in how strongly and deeply she loved, in her unshakeable spirituality, in her purposeful career, and later in her persistent fight to live her live on her terms. She studied nursing at Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia in the Emory University School of Nursing (class of '69), becoming a Registered Nurse in 1969. She went on to study Anesthesiology at Watts Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which became a part of Duke University shortly thereafter (class of '72), at which point she was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for the next 48 years. As a CRNA for nearly five decades, she worked with thousands of patients in thousands of operations, and she had a work ethic that was unparalleled. Yet she was caring, with every patient she met, and she prayed for every single one. Lisa's prayer before each procedure was "God, guide my hands," and she stayed in constant prayer during surgeries, as well, for the surgeons, for the patients, for the patient's families. Chances are good that if you had surgery in Gwinnett County in this period of time, her prayers reached you. Her vocation was her passion and the way she fulfilled God's purpose for her, and she spent countless hours in operating rooms. Her coworkers always loved her caring style and her perpetual quick and sharp wit. She loved traveling, learning about other cultures, making friends and talking to people. Lisa was also an avid animal lover, and she had many beloved pet dogs in her lifetime. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and electronic games and showed a special aptitude with Super Mario once Nintendo came along. Lisa was an avid home cook. She took every opportunity to feed people and her cooking was filled with love. She always enjoyed getting new ideas from a huge variety of cooking shows. Her collection of recipes is extensive, including some written down at work, even on medical charting paper. She is preceded in death by her father, Earnest Lee Oakley; mother, Marguerite Moore Oakley; sister, Paula Oakley; daughter Kelly Lynn Klein. She is survived by children David L. Klein (m. Coey Clarke) and Jesse K. Chase (m. Ellen Chase) and their father Dennis L. Klein (m. Lynne Klein); grandchildren Madeline R. Klein, Caleb M. Klein, Molly O. Klein, Finnleigh S. Chase, Skylar A. Chase, Wesley J. Chase. The memorial service to celebrate the life of Lisa Klein will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Watts School of Nursing at Duke University https://gifts.duke.edu/ or to the ASPCA ASPCA.org/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">https://www.ASPCA.org/ Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.