Karen Wright Austin

Mrs. Karen Wright Austin received an unexpected call from her Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 3, 2024. When she answered, He said, "Karen this is your Father. Do you remember that I told you a long time ago that I was going to prepare a place for you, and I would come again to take you to be with me where I am? She responded, "yes Father, I remember." He went on to say, "well I have joyous news, it is no longer under construction. The closing was early this morning, and I have your keys in hand." It was at that moment a single tear slipped from her eye because she saw Jesus with outstretched arms. She knew it was Him because she saw the nail holes in his hands, nail holes in his feet and a wound where they pierced him in his side. Beside Jesus was her Mama with a huge smile motioning for her to come home.
Karen was born to the late Mr. Charles Wright and Mrs. Virginia Wright. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Mr. Michael E. Wright; her nephew/son, Mr. Charles "Skip" Wright; her maternal grandparents, Mr. James Jones and Mrs. Ruby Bryant Jones; and her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Restee Wright Eanes.
Karen was educated in Bedford County Public Schools. While attending high school, Business Studies was her concentration. After high school, she continued her studies at Phillips Business College. Not long after that, she took a position as Assistant Manager at CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (also known as Hardees.) After leaving Hardees, she worked for several different companies in the Bedford and Roanoke areas. She spent twenty-six years working for Rubatex International LLC until they closed their doors permanently in 2010. After a brief respite, she took a position at Dynax America Corporation in Roanoke and remained there until her retirement in 2015. Karen was a great listener as many people came to her for advice because her calm demeanor made them feel at ease. She had a beautiful smile, a sweet spirit and a huge loving and giving heart. She had a special place in her heart for children. She would be seen on the many birthdays and Christmas' delivering gifts.
Karen adored her husband and family; she would do anything within her power to help others. She was an active member of Lovely Zion Baptist Church where she served as the Assistant Treasurer for many years. She loved her church family, and they loved her. Some might say the last pew on the left is now an empty space. That space is by no means empty, but rather it is a space that consists of a rich bed of unique memories. That space holds a beautiful smile, warm hugs, a listening ear, a wonderful laugh, a loving spirit and a heart of gold. That space is by no means empty.
Shock waves went through the community as the devastating news of Karen's passing began to circulate. Her passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memories include her loving and devoted husband, Jesse R. Austin, Sr.; her sister, Cynthia L. Wright; daughter of her heart, Kendra Alexander; her goddaughter, Kenara Jackson (Sid); her bonus children, Erica Goode (Eric) and Jesse R. Austin, Jr. (Cutina); her bonus grandchildren, Kylah Thomason, Marquez Goode, Kwamez Austin, Nauzjay Austin and Kavarius Austin; her aunts, Naomi Freeman, Virginia Jones, Joanne Hamlett and uncle, Willie Hamlett; her bonus siblings, Evond Powell, Alberta Coles, Julia Patterson, Almeta Austin, Kenneth Austin and Juanita Austin; and many other family members and friends.