Karen Li Simpkins

KAREN LI SIMPKINS, 79, passed away in St. Mary's Medical Center on February 24, 2024. Karen was born October 15, 1944. in Crossnore, N.C. She was a daughter of Dr. Ozzie Norman Simpkins and Dr. Katherine Williams Simpkins, and a sister of her late brother Sean Ozzie Simpkins. Karen is survived by her niece Dariya S. Simpkins and her sister-in-law Irina V. Simpkins. Karen graduated from Marshall University High School in June 1962. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the American University of Beirut in June 1966, her Master of Arts in August 1969 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her PhD in Appalachian Studies from Edinburgh University, UK, in November 1976. In 1977 Dr. Karen Simpkins started her teaching career at Marshall University in the Sociology and Anthropology Department. Karen had a great passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge. She was known for being sociable and able to converse on a wide variety of subjects. Karen loved to travel, especially to Bali. Karen worked at Marshall University until she retired in summer 2007 and moved to Woodlands Retirement Community in October of that year. A memorial service will be held on March 24th at Woodlands at 3 p.m. where Karen spent the last 16 years of her life. Morris Funeral Home, Wayne, is directing arrangements.