Karen Ammons Howell

HOWELL WINSTON-SALEM Karen Ammons Howell Dec. 29, 1958 - March 4 2013 Karen Ammons Howell died peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, March 4 2013. She was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on December 29, 1958 to Anne Southern Howell and Dr. Julius Ammons Howell. She graduated from The Summit School, Salem Academy and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Karen worked for The American Express Company for 22 years as a Manager of Client Services. She received numerous accolades and corporate awards for her expertise as a manager, reflecting the top 10% performance in the travel division for the company. She was also selected for The American Express Centurion Leadership Academy for high performing managers. Valued and respected by her employees and colleagues, her fairness, work ethic and character were well known and highly regarded. Karen also worked for The Carlisle/Per Se Collection as a Field Manager from 2007-2009. In recent years, Karen relished focusing on the pursuit of things she loved: travel, tennis, cooking, reading and most significantly, family and friends. Her sterling character and personality and gentle grace with which she carried herself spoke clearly to so many and endeared her to all. Her friendships were deep and abiding and came naturally as did her kindness towards others. She devoted enormous love and energy to her family. She was a caring daughter, beloved sister and the best "always there" aunt. We are grateful for her all too brief life of 54 years. Her eternal courage and optimism in the face of medical adversity were inspiring . May her memory be a blessing. Karen is predeceased in death by her father, Dr. Julius Ammons Howell. She is survived by her mother Anne Southern Howell of Winston-Salem, N.C., a sister Anne Howell Gray of Atlanta, Georgia, a sister Robin Rhodes Howell of Charlotte, North Carolina, a brother in law Bernard Gray of Atlanta, Georgia, a niece Julia Howell Gray of New York, NY, a nephew Alexander Gladesborough Gray of Washington, DC and her beloved golden retriever, Lexie. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2013 at Salem Funeral Home, Main St. Chapel. With deep gratitude, the family wishes to thank Dr. William Eley of Emory University for his counsel and friendship in these last 12 months. We also recognize the support of Karen's caregivers and value their contributions during her journey. Karen lived each day of this last year embracing the best of the day's offerings with hope and clarity, notwithstanding her challenges. May we all be so fortunate. Memorials may be made to The Anne Southern Howell Fund at Salem Academy and College, 601 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 Attention: Vicki Sheppard or The Julius Ammons Howell Fund for Plastic Surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1021. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.