Karen Dunlap

Karen Reyna Dunlap, affectionately known as Reyna, of College Park, Maryland, passed away on January 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 30.

Born on May 7, 1994, to Kenneth E. Dunlap Jr. and Karen Walker, Reyna grew up in Burtonsville, Maryland. She was an AP honor student throughout her school years, attending Greencastle Elementary School, Benjamin Banneker Middle School, and graduating with honors from Paint Branch High School. Reyna excelled academically and athletically, participating in soccer, lacrosse, swimming, track and field, basketball, and diving, where she served as team captain. She also studied Junior ROTC and was selected for the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program.

Reyna had a passion for Japanese culture and language, traveling to Japan during high school and returning fluent in Japanese. A gifted artist with a love for anime, she dreamed of creating her own manga. She was particularly fond of Hayao Miyazaki's films, with *Kiki's Delivery Service* being her favorite. Reyna loved animals and shared responsibility for raising many pets with her sister, including Tabby the cat and Smokey the rabbit.

Reyna attended the University of Maryland College Park with aspirations of a career in government and politics. Though she did not complete her degree, she became a vocal advocate for body positivity and women's empowerment. Her dynamic online presence earned her over 87,000 followers on 'X' (formerly Twitter) and tens of thousands more on Instagram and Snapchat.

Reyna will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, witty humor, sassy demeanor, strong convictions and generous spirit. She brought joy to those around her with her humor and acts of kindness, such as paying for meals for those in need or taking friends and family to her favorite pastime - the movies. Watching movies in a movie theatre made her feel, "transported to another world." She spent many days at her favorite Pho restaurant in Beltsville, Maryland, and Mexican restaurant in College Park, Maryland. She cherished her family and friends deeply, often expressing her love through playful gestures and warm hugs. The love of her life was her beloved black and white cat, Libby.

She was predeceased by her father, Kenneth E. Dunlap Jr., and is survived by her mother, Karen Jones; sister, Kira Dunlap (fiancé Roger); nieces Autumn Giselle and Emerald; grandmother, Joann Walker; uncles, Derrell Walker (Wynethea), Eric Walker, Benjamin F. Walker III (Carmen), Richard McCree (Deborah) and Curtis Walker; brothers Chauntel Dunlap, Deante Chisley, and Justin Dunlap; sisters LaVonia Smith-Carter, Moriah (Dunlap) Clarke; and a large extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services are being arranged by March Life Tribute Center in Laurel, Maryland. A private homegoing service will be held for family members only. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home by February 2, 2025. The Reyna Dunlap GoFundMe fundraiser has been established by Kira Dunlap in Reyna's honor to assist the family in their search for answers.

May Reyna's memory bring comfort to all who knew her.