Karen "Tina" Margie Brabble

Karen Margie Brabble, affectionately known as "Tina," was born on November 19, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on February 8, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Early Life: Karen was born to the union of Paul and Loreda Blackburn (Lewis) as the second of six children. Karen was baptized at a young age at the Long Beach Church of Christ in California. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Paul Jr. and Kevin. She is survived by her siblings Keith, Daryl, and Paula.

Education: Karen attended elementary school in Compton, California, and graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, California, in 1971. She furthered her education at Pepperdine University and West Los Angeles Community College. Upon moving to Phoenix, Arizona, she completed her certification in Early Childhood Education at Central Arizona. College. Career: Karen had a fulfilling 13-year career working at various financial institutions. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to sell women's fashions. Ultimately, her love for children inspired her to launch Tip Top Christian Child Development Center, a state-licensed daycare facility. 

Personal Life: Karen met her beloved husband, Austin Brabble Jr., at a Crusade Gospel meeting in Los Angeles. They dated while Austin attended the Southern California School of Evangelism. They married on August 12, 1978, in Los Angeles. Shortly after their marriage they moved to 29 Palms, California, where Austin began his first ministry at the 29 Palms Church of Christ. Their first two children, Austin III and Monique, were born during this time. After five years, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for Austin's new ministry at the Roeser Rd Church of Christ, where their third child, Lawrence, was born. Karen continued to support her husband in ministry in 1989 at a newly planted church, named South Phoenix Church of Christ later named Church of Christ at The Vineyard. Karen and Austin shared 46 years of loving marriage, residing in Arizona until her passing. 

Hobbies and Interests: Karen was an avid cake baker and decorator, bowler, interior designer, poet, and loved to sing. She was deeply passionate about children's education and development, both spiritually and secularly. She dedicated many years to teaching Cradle Roll and Sunday School classes from babies to high schoolers. On April 29, 2018, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to children's ministry, the elders at the Church of Christ at the Vineyard dedicated "The Karen M. Brabble Children's Learning Room" in her honor. Additionally, due to her many years of humble service to the congregation, the Karen Brabble Service Award was established to recognize individuals who exemplify excellence in service to the church and the community. Karen's passion for supporting church work and events, such as the Arizona State Lectureship and Ladies programs, was unparalleled. 

Family: Karen is survived by her children: Austin Sampson Brabble III (Ariel), Monique Lelia Lorita Washington (Penn), and Lawrence Alvin Brabble (Georgina). She was a loving grandmother to Gavin and Giselle Washington, Aria, Alaya and Austin IV Brabble, and Arlo and Isabella Brabble. She also leaves to a host of family and special friends to cherish her memory. 

Karen's legacy of Love, Faith, and Dedication will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday 2/21/25 from 10:00 to11:00 AM with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:AM at Church of Christ at the Vineyard., 6642 S. 16th St. Phoenix.